Free tool
How much of your income is actually yours?
A planning calculator for South African freelancers and small businesses. Pick an example or enter your own numbers.
Tax set-aside rate
VAT-registered vendor
Client pays R 45 000 / month
VAT to ringfence (15%)R 0
Provisional tax buffer (28%)R 10 710
s11(a) business expensesR 6 750
Estimated take-home Estimate
R 27 540
≈ R 330 480 / year
How it's worked out
R 45 000 turnover − R 6 750 expenses = R 38 250 taxable
R 38 250 × 28% = R 10 710 set aside
Assumptions behind this estimate
- VAT is 15% on turnover and is owed to SARS — it's shown separately and never counted as income. VAT you can claim back on expenses isn't included.
- Sole proprietors pay sliding personal rates (18%–45%) less rebates, so a flat 28% is a savings buffer, not your exact tax. Lower earners usually owe less; high earners may owe more.
- (Pty) Ltd companies pay 27% corporate tax; Small Business Corporations may pay less. Dividends tax on profits you take out isn't included.
- Expenses must meet the s11(a) test (incurred to earn income, not capital). UIF, medical credits and retirement deductions aren't modelled.
- This is an illustration to help you plan savings — not tax advice. Confirm your figures with a registered tax practitioner.
Track this for every invoice, all year
The Starter Kit's ZAR tracker splits every payment into VAT, tax reserve and profit automatically.