Leave Payout Calculator South Africa
Updated for the 2026/27 tax year · SARS & BCEA aligned · Free, no sign-up
Estimate the gross value of unused annual leave using a five-day-week payroll convention.
Related: payroll software South Africa · SARS-compliant payroll · cloud payroll software South Africa · payroll guides
Leave Payout Calculator
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Payslips, PAYE, UIF, EMP201 and IRP5 done for you.
Run this on real payroll
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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Calculating unused-leave pay
This estimate uses monthly remuneration ÷ 21.67 × unused leave days. The 21.67 divisor is a common BCEA-aligned payroll convention for a five-day working week, approximating 260 working days ÷ 12. It is not a universal divisor for every work pattern.
Which remuneration should you use?
The BCEA remuneration rules can require regular remuneration beyond basic salary. Variable remuneration and different work schedules need an appropriate calculation rather than blindly using this divisor.
Tax and termination
Leave payouts are generally taxable as income. This tool shows gross pay, not net pay or employer contributions. Payment in lieu of statutory annual leave is generally permitted on termination, rather than cashing out statutory leave while employment continues.
Quick reference
| Scenario | Result |
|---|---|
| R21,670 monthly; 1 day | R 1 000,00 |
| R21,670 monthly; 10 days | R 10 000,00 |
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 this my take-home payout?
No. PAYE and any applicable payroll deductions must still be assessed in the termination payroll.
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