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Germany vs South Africa
Tax Rate Comparison

Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.

πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ Germany
vs
πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ South Africa
Tax Year:

πŸ’° Personal Income Tax Calculator

Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country β€” side by side.

Enter your annual income above to see your personal tax comparison β†’
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
Top Income Tax Rate
14–45%
Basic allowance ~€12,336; bracket creep relief
No change
18–45%
Top rate maintained; NHI funding discussions
No change
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
7–19%
Standard 19% unchanged
No change
16%
VAT raised to 16% from 1 April 2026 (Budget 2025)
β–² +0.5pp vs 2025
Corporate Tax Rate
Corporate Tax Rate
~29%
Coalition discussions on lowering to 25% ongoing
β–Ό -0.5pp vs 2025
27%
Stable; National Health Insurance funding debate
No change
Capital Gains Tax
Capital Gains Tax
25%
Investment income reform proposals under review
No change
~18%
Possible review of inclusion rate
No change
Social Security & Payroll
Social Security / Payroll
~41.5%
Health insurance rising; pension base up
β–² +0.5pp vs 2025
~2%
NHI contribution framework being developed
No change
State, Regional & Local Taxes

πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ Germany β€” Trade Tax (Gewerbesteuer) & Church Tax

Germany's 16 BundeslΓ€nder apply federal income tax rates uniformly β€” no state income tax variation. Municipalities levy Gewerbesteuer (trade tax) on business profits at ~7–17% effective. Church tax (Kirchensteuer) of 8–9% of income tax applies to registered members. The solidarity surcharge (Soli) now only applies to the top ~10% of earners.

πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ South Africa β€” Provincial & Municipal Taxes

South Africa's 9 provinces do not levy their own income tax β€” this is national. Municipalities levy property rates (0.5%–2.5% of assessed value/year), utilities, and refuse levies. Cape Town and Johannesburg have relatively higher municipal rates. Load-shedding prompted energy-related tax credits in recent budgets.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Rates shown are standard top/headline rates for informational purposes. Actual tax liability depends on income level, residency, deductions, and tax treaties. 2025–2026 data reflects announced or enacted rates and may be subject to change. Not financial or legal advice.

Germany vs South Africa: Key Tax Differences (2026)

πŸ’° Income Tax: Germany and South Africa have similar top income tax rates (14–45% vs 18–45%).

πŸ›’ VAT/Sales Tax: Germany has a higher consumption tax (7–19% vs 16%).

🏒 Corporate Tax: πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ South Africa offers a lower corporate rate (27% vs 29%), which can influence business location decisions.

πŸ“ˆ Capital Gains: πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ South Africa taxes investment gains at a lower rate (18% vs 25%), benefiting investors.

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