RA tax-back calculator

Retirement annuity contributions are tax-deductible — up to 27.5% of your income, capped at R 350 000 a year. See what SARS effectively gives back.

Estimated tax back per year

R 6 240,00

You put in R 2 000/month, but after the tax saving of R 520,00/month it effectively costs you R 1 480,00/month.

How this works

  • Your marginal rate is the magic number. Every rand you contribute is deducted from your income before tax, so you save tax at your top rate — currently 26.0% of what you contribute.

  • The limits: you can deduct up to 27.5% of your income, with an absolute cap of R 350 000 per year. Anything above carries over to future tax years.

  • How you get the money: if you pay an RA yourself (not via payroll), the saving usually arrives as a refund after you file your tax return. Via payroll, your PAYE simply drops each month.

Educational only — not financial advice
FirstCheque gives general information and estimates based on published SARS tables. It doesn't know your full situation and isn't advice under the FAIS Act. Confirm figures with SARS, your payroll department, or a registered financial adviser.

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The fine print

FirstCheque is an educational tool, not a financial services provider. Nothing here is financial advice as defined in the FAIS Act. Figures use SARS 2026/27 tables and may differ from your actual payslip. Speak to a registered financial adviser before making product decisions.