How bonuses are taxed in South Africa and how much of your bonus you actually keep at different salary levels.
Quick answer: Your bonus is taxed at your marginal rate — the rate on your highest band of income. Depending on your salary, you keep between 55% and 82% of your bonus.
How Bonuses Are Taxed
A bonus is added to your income in the month it is paid and taxed at your marginal rate. The higher your salary, the more tax comes off the bonus.
How Much You Keep
| Annual Salary | Marginal Rate | You Keep |
|---|---|---|
| R240,000 | 18% | 82% |
| R400,000 | 31% | 69% |
| R600,000 | 36% | 64% |
| R900,000 | 41% | 59% |
Reducing Bonus Tax
Direct your bonus into a retirement annuity to make it tax-deductible. Use our bonus calculator to see your exact figure.
Calculate your exact take-home pay
Free, based on verified SARS 2027 tax year figures.
Open salary calculator →