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Lesotho vs South Africa
Tax Rate Comparison

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

πŸ‡±πŸ‡Έ Lesotho
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
0–35%
No change
18–45%
Top rate maintained; NHI funding discussions
No change
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
15%
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
25%
No change
27%
Stable; National Health Insurance funding debate
No change
Capital Gains Tax
Capital Gains Tax
Taxed as income
No change
~18%
Possible review of inclusion rate
No change
Social Security & Payroll
Social Security / Payroll
N/A
No change
~2%
NHI contribution framework being developed
No change
State, Regional & Local Taxes

πŸ‡±πŸ‡Έ Lesotho β€” Lesotho Tax System

Lesotho is a landlocked enclave within South Africa with progressive income tax up to 35%. VAT is 15%. The country's economy is closely tied to South Africa β€” customs revenues from SACU (Southern African Customs Union) provide a major share of government income. Textile exports (especially to the US under AGOA) and diamond mining are key sectors. Water royalties from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project also contribute.

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.

Lesotho vs South Africa: Key Tax Differences (2026)

πŸ’° Income Tax: πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ South Africa has a higher top income tax rate (0–35% vs 18–45%). πŸ‡±πŸ‡Έ Lesotho is more favourable for high earners.

πŸ›’ VAT/Sales Tax: South Africa has a higher consumption tax (15% vs 16%).

🏒 Corporate Tax: πŸ‡±πŸ‡Έ Lesotho offers a lower corporate rate (25% vs 27%), 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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