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South Africa vs Ireland
Tax Rate Comparison

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

🇿🇦 South Africa
vs
🇮🇪 Ireland
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
20–40%
Planned USC reforms; top 40% rate unchanged
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
9–23%
Standard 23% maintained
No change

Corporate Tax Rate

Corporate Tax Rate
27%
Stable; National Health Insurance funding debate
No change
12.5–15%
15% effective for large MNCs; 12.5% for SMEs
No change

Capital Gains Tax

Capital Gains Tax
~18%
Possible review of inclusion rate
No change
33%
No change proposed
No change

Social Security & Payroll

Social Security / Payroll
~2%
NHI contribution framework being developed
No change
~15.05%
Auto-enrolment pension system launching
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.

🇮🇪 IrelandLocal Property Tax & USC

Ireland has no regional or municipal income tax. The Universal Social Charge (USC) is a national levy (0.5%–8%). Local Property Tax (LPT) is set nationally but collected by local authorities. Commercial rates are set by local councils. Ireland's 12.5% corporate rate attracted multinationals, though Pillar Two now effectively raises this to 15% for large groups.

⚠️ 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 Ireland: Key Tax Differences (2026)

💰 Income Tax: 🇿🇦 South Africa has a higher top income tax rate (18–45% vs 20–40%). 🇮🇪 Ireland is more favourable for high earners.

🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Ireland has a higher consumption tax (16% vs 9–23%).

🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇮🇪 Ireland offers a lower corporate rate (15% vs 27%), which can influence business location decisions.

📈 Capital Gains: 🇿🇦 South Africa taxes investment gains at a lower rate (18% vs 33%), benefiting investors.

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All 🇿🇦 South Africa comparisons →All 🇮🇪 Ireland comparisons →