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South Africa vs Finland
Tax Rate Comparison

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

🇿🇦 South Africa
vs
🇫🇮 Finland
Tax Year:

💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator

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

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Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)

Top Income Tax Rate
18–45%
Top rate maintained; NHI funding discussions
No change
~44–51.4%
Consolidation budget; high rates maintained
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
10–25.5%
25.5% standard (raised 2024) maintained
No change

Corporate Tax Rate

Corporate Tax Rate
27%
Stable; National Health Insurance funding debate
No change
20%
20% stable; R&D deduction enhanced
No change

Capital Gains Tax

Capital Gains Tax
~18%
Possible review of inclusion rate
No change
30–34%
CGT rates unchanged
No change

Social Security & Payroll

Social Security / Payroll
~2%
NHI contribution framework being developed
No change
~36%
Austerity measures affecting some social contributions
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.

🇫🇮 FinlandMunicipal Income Tax

Finland's 309 municipalities set their own income tax rates (municipal tax) ranging from ~16.5% to ~22.5%, averaging ~20%. This is added to the national progressive income tax. The church tax of 1%–2.2% applies to members. No regional income tax. The 'solidarity tax' on high earners (2%) applies nationally. Municipalities also levy real estate tax on property owners. The welfare state is heavily funded by these high combined tax rates.

⚠️ 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 Finland: Key Tax Differences (2026)

💰 Income Tax: 🇫🇮 Finland has a higher top income tax rate (18–45% vs ~44–51.4%). 🇿🇦 South Africa is more favourable for high earners.

🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Finland has a higher consumption tax (16% vs 10–25.5%).

🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇫🇮 Finland offers a lower corporate rate (20% vs 27%), which can influence business location decisions.

📈 Capital Gains: 🇿🇦 South Africa taxes investment gains at a lower rate (18% vs 34%), benefiting investors.

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All 🇿🇦 South Africa comparisons →All 🇫🇮 Finland comparisons →