How much of a raise you keep after tax (2026/27)
Figures for the 2026/27 tax year. Prime rate checked 9 October 2026; tax tables and fees checked 30 September 2026. By AfroTech.
An increase is taxed at your highest (marginal) rate, so you keep less of it than you might expect. Here's what lands in your account.
What you keep from an increase
| Monthly salary | R1 000 more | R5 000 more | 10% more |
|---|---|---|---|
| R 15 000 | R 810 | R 4 073 | R 1 215 of R 1 500 |
| R 25 000 | R 740 | R 3 700 | R 1 850 of R 2 500 |
| R 35 000 | R 690 | R 3 450 | R 2 415 of R 3 500 |
| R 50 000 | R 640 | R 3 200 | R 3 200 of R 5 000 |
| R 80 000 | R 590 | R 2 950 | R 4 720 of R 8 000 |
Extra take-home pay per month, after PAYE and UIF. Under 65, no medical aid or retirement deductions.
Why you keep less of a raise
Your average tax rate covers all your income, but an increase is added on top and taxed at your marginal rate. On R 35 000 a month, your average rate is 17,5% but each extra rand is taxed at 31%.
You never lose money from a raise
Moving into a higher bracket only affects the part of your income above the bracket line. A raise always increases your take-home pay; it never pushes your whole salary into a higher rate.
Try it with your own numbers. The ZARWise calculator uses the same figures as this page.
Work out your take-home pay