South African Salary and PAYE Calculator for 2026/27

The calculator converts monthly, annual, weekly or hourly gross pay into an annual estimate, applies the selected SARS individual tax table, subtracts age rebates and standard medical-scheme fees tax credits, then estimates UIF and cash deductions. The headline result is an average monthly take-home amount.

It deliberately shows the calculation in layers. Gross remuneration and taxable income are not always the same: a qualifying retirement-fund contribution can reduce taxable income, while the full contribution still reduces cash received. A medical-scheme premium is also different from a medical tax credit—the premium is cash paid, while the credit reduces calculated tax.

For the 2027 year of assessment, from 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2027, taxable income falls into one of seven progressive bands. Only income inside a higher band is charged at that band's rate. We then apply the primary rebate for every taxpayer, plus the secondary and tertiary rebates for the selected older age bands.

Qualifying retirement contributions are limited in this simplified model to the lowest of the actual contribution, 27.5% of remuneration, or the R430,000 annual cap. Standard monthly medical credits are R376 for the first beneficiary, R376 for the second, and R254 for each additional beneficiary in the 2027 rules.

Why a payslip can differ: employers use payroll periods and official deduction tables. Partial-year work, travel allowances, fringe benefits, tax directives, multiple employers and additional medical expenses can all change the final number.

These examples assume a taxpayer under 65, a full year of employment, no retirement or medical inputs, and employee UIF. They are useful starting points, not payroll certificates.

Use your own values above for a result that reflects age, medical beneficiaries, retirement contribution and other regular deductions. If you are comparing a job offer, also check whether the quoted number is cash salary or total cost to company.