Deductions & Allowances in South Africa

Standard deduction (estimated)

For 2026, an estimated standard deduction of R256,200 is used in this calculator's default estimate. Many taxpayers can reduce taxable income further with additional allowances.

Common deduction categories to check for

• Retirement / pension contributions
• Health insurance and medical expenses
• Dependent / family allowances
• Mortgage interest or housing-related relief
• Education expenses
• Charitable donations
• Business expenses (for self-employed filers)

Availability and limits for each category vary significantly by country and change from year to year. This page provides a general checklist only — confirm which deductions you're eligible for with South Africa's tax authority or a local advisor.