How having two jobs or a side income affects your tax in South Africa, and why you might owe SARS at year-end.
Quick answer: Income from a second job is added to your main income and taxed at your marginal rate. Because each employer only taxes their portion, you may owe SARS when you file.
How Two Incomes Are Taxed
SARS taxes your total combined income. The problem is each employer applies tax tables as if their salary is your only income, so not enough tax is deducted overall.
Why You Might Owe SARS
Because both employers under-deduct, your combined income may fall in a higher bracket than either job alone, leaving a shortfall you must settle when you file your return.
How to Avoid a Surprise
You can ask one employer to deduct additional PAYE, or set money aside. Registering for a SARS tax directive can help apply the correct rate.
Calculate your exact take-home pay
Free, based on verified SARS 2027 tax year figures.
Open salary calculator →