Bonus Tax Calculator South Africa 2026/27
Updated for the 2026/27 tax year · SARS & BCEA aligned · Free, no sign-up
Estimate the extra annual tax caused by a once-off bonus. Assumes age 35 and no medical credits.
Related: payroll software South Africa · SARS-compliant payroll · cloud payroll software South Africa · payroll guides
Bonus Tax Calculator
SDL is an employer cost, not a deduction from take-home pay. Employers with total annual payroll of R500,000 or less are exempt.
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Payslips, PAYE, UIF, EMP201 and IRP5 done for you.
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Payroll Africa turns this calculation into an automated monthly run — SARS-aligned PAYE, UIF and SDL, payslips, EMP201 and IRP5 filings, from R90/month.
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How bonus tax is estimated
Annual salary is monthly salary × 12. We calculate annual tax once without the bonus and once with it. The difference is the estimated tax attributable to the bonus. We do not multiply the once-off bonus by 12.
Why bonuses feel over-taxed
Salary has already used the lower tax bands and annual rebate. Extra income can fall into a higher marginal band, so its tax percentage can exceed the average percentage deducted from ordinary salary. There is no separate flat bonus tax.
Payroll assumptions
This assumes a full year of unchanged salary, no other income or deductions, and no medical credits. Actual withholding can depend on year-to-date earnings. UIF here is the incremental contribution in the payment month, subject to the monthly ceiling. SDL is an optional employer-cost estimate; exemptions may apply.
Quick reference
| Scenario | Result |
|---|---|
| R 5 000,00 bonus; R 25 000,00 monthly salary | R 1 300,00 |
| R 10 000,00 bonus; R 25 000,00 monthly salary | R 2 600,00 |
| R 25 000,00 bonus; R 25 000,00 monthly salary | R 6 500,00 |
Move from estimates to payroll
These are planning estimates, not tax advice or a benefit award. Check the rules applicable to your circumstances. Start with Payroll Africa, use the PAYE calculator, or explore related payroll tools.
Related payroll guides
Frequently asked questions
Is my entire salary taxed at the bonus's highest rate?
No. South African tax is progressive: higher rates apply only to income within the relevant bands.
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