Company tax in South Africa: rates and returns
Companies in South Africa pay corporate income tax at a headline rate of 27%, administered by SARS. VAT is charged at 15%. Rates are set in the budget and change, so confirm the current figure with SARS.
What you file
- 1 An annual corporate income tax return to SARS.
- 2 VAT returns (15%) if registered — compulsory once turnover passes R2.3 million (from 1 April 2026).
- 3 Employee taxes monthly if you pay salaries.
Frequently asked questions
What is the corporate tax rate in South Africa?
The headline corporate income tax rate in South Africa is 27% (administered by SARS). Confirm the current rate with SARS.
More on South Africa
- Register a company — South Africa
- VAT / sales tax — South Africa
- Hiring staff — South Africa
- Start a business — South Africa
- Data protection — South Africa
- Tax clearance — South Africa
- Empowerment / B-BBEE — South Africa
- Licences & permits — South Africa
- Payroll & employee tax — South Africa
- Importing & customs — South Africa
- Annual returns — South Africa
- Full South Africa compliance guide
Company tax elsewhere in SADC
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Reviewed June 2026 from official sources. General information only — confirm with SARS or a registered professional.