South Africa vs Lesotho
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country — side by side.
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
Corporate Tax Rate
Capital Gains Tax
Social Security & Payroll
🇿🇦 South Africa — Provincial & 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.
🇱🇸 Lesotho — 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 — 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.
South Africa vs Lesotho: Key Tax Differences (2026)
💰 Income Tax: 🇿🇦 South Africa has a higher top income tax rate (18–45% vs 0–35%). 🇱🇸 Lesotho is more favourable for high earners.
🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: South Africa has a higher consumption tax (16% vs 15%).
🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇱🇸 Lesotho offers a lower corporate rate (25% vs 27%), which can influence business location decisions.
📈 Capital Gains: 🇿🇦 South Africa taxes investment gains at a lower rate (18% vs 25%), benefiting investors.