How overtime pay works in South Africa under the BCEA — rates, limits and how it is taxed.

Quick answer: Under the BCEA, overtime is paid at 1.5x your normal rate (2x on Sundays and public holidays). Overtime is taxed as part of your normal income at your marginal rate.

Overtime Rules

The Basic Conditions of Employment Act requires overtime to be paid at 1.5 times your normal wage, or 2 times for Sundays and public holidays. Employees earning above the BCEA threshold may be excluded.

Limits

Overtime is generally limited to 10 hours per week, and total working hours are capped to protect employees.

How Overtime is Taxed

Overtime pay is added to your normal salary and taxed at your marginal rate. There is no special overtime tax rate.

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