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Tax & SARS

Tax Refund Calculator South Africa 2026

Estimate how much SARS owes you — or how much you owe — by adding your retirement contributions, medical aid credits and other deductions on top of the PAYE you have already paid.

✓ Updated with 2026 rates•✓ Free & no sign-up•✓ Instant results

SARS tax refund estimate

Live estimate · 2024/2025 tax tables · 2026 filing

R

Gross salary before tax

R

Interest, dividends, rental, etc.

R

From your IRP5 certificate

65+ and 75+ get additional rebates

Deductions

R

Deductible up to 27.5% of income, max R350 000

R
R

Claimed at R4.64/km (needs a logbook)

R25/day deduction (max 210 days)

Estimated refund

R21 339

SARS owes you

Total income
R400 000
Total deductions
R40 000
Taxable income
R360 000
Tax payable
R48 661
Rebates & credits
R25 971
Effective rate
12.2%

Based on R400 000 income and R40 000 in deductions, your estimated SARS tax refund is about R21 339. Your tax payable after rebates is R48 661 versus the R70 000 PAYE you already paid.

Tax calculation breakdown

Total deductions− R40 000
Tax before rebatesR74 632
Rebates & medical credits− R25 971
Tax payableR48 661
Tax paid (PAYE)R70 000
Refund dueR21 339

Maximise your SARS refund

  • Retirement fund contributions are deductible up to 27.5% of income (max R350 000/year)
  • Medical scheme credits: R364/month for you and the first dependant, R246 each thereafter
  • Rebates: R17 235 primary, plus R9 444 at 65+, plus R3 145 at 75+
  • Keep a logbook to claim business travel against a travel allowance
  • Home office: R25/day (up to 210 days) if you work from home regularly

This is an independent estimate using the 2024/2025 tax tables, not an official SARS assessment. Your actual refund may differ.

How SARS tax refunds work in South Africa

Your employer deducts PAYE from your salary each month based on estimated tax. When you file your return, SARS calculates your actual tax after rebates and deductions. If you overpaid, you get a refund; if you underpaid, you owe SARS the difference.

File your return

Submit your IRP5 and deductions on SARS eFiling or the MobiApp.

SARS calculates

Your actual tax is worked out with all rebates and deductions applied.

Refund or owing

SARS compares tax paid to tax owed and produces your assessment.

Get paid

Refunds are usually paid within 72 hours if your return is not audited.

Deductions that increase your refund

Retirement contributions

Pension, provident and RA contributions are deductible up to 27.5% of income, capped at R350,000 per year.

Medical aid credits

R364/month for the main member and first dependant, R246 for each additional dependant, plus additional medical expenses.

Donations

Donations to approved PBOs with a section 18A certificate are deductible up to 10% of taxable income.

Travel allowance

Claim business travel against a travel allowance if you keep an accurate logbook for the tax year.

2026 filing deadlines

Auto assessment

Accept (or edit and file) by 21 October 2026.

Non-provisional

eFiling deadline of 21 October 2026.

Provisional taxpayers

eFiling deadline of 20 January 2027.

Important notice

This calculator provides an estimate only. Your actual SARS assessment may differ based on additional factors. Consult a registered tax practitioner for complex tax situations.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the most common questions.

Why do I get a tax refund from SARS?
Your employer deducts PAYE monthly based on an estimate of your annual tax. When you file your return, SARS works out your actual tax after rebates and deductions. If the PAYE deducted during the year was more than your final liability — for example because you contributed to a retirement annuity or had medical aid — SARS refunds the difference.
Which deductions increase my refund?
The most common are retirement fund contributions (pension, provident and RA funds, deductible up to 27.5% of income capped at R350,000 a year), medical scheme tax credits (R364/month for the main member and first dependant, R246 for each additional dependant) plus additional medical expenses, donations to approved Public Benefit Organisations with a section 18A certificate (up to 10% of taxable income), and travel claims if you receive a travel allowance and keep a logbook.
When does SARS pay out my refund?
If your return is not flagged for verification, SARS aims to pay refunds within 72 hours of assessment into your verified bank account. Returns selected for audit or verification can take 21 business days or longer once you have submitted the supporting documents.
How do I claim my refund through eFiling?
Log in to SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp, open your Income Tax Return (ITR12), check that your IRP5, retirement and medical aid certificates have been pre-populated, add any extra deductions and donations, then submit. Make sure your banking details are verified so SARS can pay you. If you receive an auto-assessment you can simply accept it, or edit and file if anything is missing.
Do I have to file a return to get a refund?
Yes. SARS only refunds overpaid tax once your return is assessed. Even if you earn under R500,000 from a single employer and are not required to file, you must submit a return (or accept an auto-assessment) to claim deductions like RA contributions or medical expenses that would result in a refund.

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