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South Africa vs Bulgaria
Tax Rate Comparison

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

🇿🇦 South Africa
vs
🇧🇬 Bulgaria
Tax Year:

💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator

Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country — side by side.

Enter your annual income above to see your personal tax comparison →

Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)

Top Income Tax Rate
18–45%
Top rate maintained; NHI funding discussions
No change
10%
10% flat; EU lowest; reform pressure growing with deficits
No change

VAT / GST / Sales Tax

VAT / GST / Sales Tax
16%
VAT raised to 16% from 1 April 2026 (Budget 2025)
+0.5pp vs 2025
9–20%
Standard 20%; 9% for hospitality
No change

Corporate Tax Rate

Corporate Tax Rate
27%
Stable; National Health Insurance funding debate
No change
10%
10% maintained; Pillar Two compliance active
No change

Capital Gains Tax

Capital Gains Tax
~18%
Possible review of inclusion rate
No change
10%
10% flat
No change

Social Security & Payroll

Social Security / Payroll
~2%
NHI contribution framework being developed
No change
~32.7%
Pension system under significant pressure
No change
State, Regional & Local Taxes

🇿🇦 South AfricaProvincial & Municipal Taxes

South Africa's 9 provinces do not levy their own income tax — 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.

🇧🇬 BulgariaMunicipal Taxes

Bulgaria's 265 municipalities set local tax rates within nationally defined bands. Property tax (danuk varhu nedvizhimi imoti) is levied at 0.01%–0.45% of the property's tax value (set by municipalities). Vehicle tax and patent tax for micro-enterprises are also locally determined. Sofia Municipality applies higher property tax coefficients than rural areas. Bulgaria has the EU's lowest flat income and corporate tax rates at 10%, making it a competitive jurisdiction for businesses.

⚠️ 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.

South Africa vs Bulgaria: Key Tax Differences (2026)

💰 Income Tax: 🇿🇦 South Africa has a higher top income tax rate (18–45% vs 10%). 🇧🇬 Bulgaria is more favourable for high earners.

🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Bulgaria has a higher consumption tax (16% vs 9–20%).

🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇧🇬 Bulgaria offers a lower corporate rate (10% vs 27%), which can influence business location decisions.

📈 Capital Gains: 🇧🇬 Bulgaria taxes investment gains at a lower rate (10% vs 18%), benefiting investors.

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All 🇿🇦 South Africa comparisons →All 🇧🇬 Bulgaria comparisons →