South African tax deductions
Quick answer
Common SA deductions and credits include home-office expenses (strict tests), travel with a logbook, medical scheme fees tax credits, retirement contributions (s11F), and Section 18A donations. Eligibility depends on your facts and year of assessment.
Browse deduction guides and use free estimators for published rates. Refund AI explains concepts; it does not claim or file deductions for you.
AI-generated information only — not tax, legal, or financial advice. Verify with SARS or a registered tax practitioner before relying on it.
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- Tax rates lookup for medical credits and rebates.
Related guides
- Tax Deductions South Africans Often Miss in 2026
A Filing Season 2026 checklist of allowable deductions and credits South Africans commonly overlook — travel, retirement contributions, Section 18A donations, medical credits, home office, and rental expenses.
- Section 18A Donations: How to Claim the Tax Deduction
Claim donations to approved South African public benefit organisations under Section 18A — certificate requirements, the 10% taxable income limit, and carry-forward of excess.
- How to Read Your IRP5 Certificate (South Africa)
A practical walkthrough of the SARS IRP5 / IT3(a) employees’ tax certificate — key income, PAYE, allowance, medical, retirement, and two-pot fields that feed your 2026 auto-assessment or ITR12.
- Travel Allowance & Logbook Claims: SARS Guide for Filing Season 2026
How South African employees can claim travel deductions against a SARS travel allowance using a logbook, including codes 3701/3702, private vs business travel, and deemed vs actual costs.
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