Find out exactly how much you keep from your bonus or 13th cheque after SARS takes their share.
SARS 2027 tax year (1 March 2026 – 28 February 2027)
Your bonus is added to your salary for the month it's paid, and the combined amount is taxed at your marginal rate. Only the amount above each bracket threshold gets taxed at the higher rate — not your entire income.
A 13th cheque is simply an extra month's salary — usually paid in November or December. It's contractually agreed and taxed exactly like regular salary. Some employers include it as part of your CTC package.
Yes! Direct your bonus into a retirement annuity — contributions are tax-deductible up to 27.5% of taxable income (max R430,000/year for the 2027 tax year). Ask your payroll team before the bonus is paid.
SA uses progressive tax. Your marginal rate is the rate on your last rand earned. If you earn R500,000/year, your marginal rate is 36% — but only the amount above R383,100 is taxed at 36%, not your full salary.