South Africa vs Sao Tome and Principe
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.
🇸🇹 Sao Tome and Principe — Sao Tome & Principe Tax System
Sao Tome and Principe is a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with progressive income tax up to 25%. IVA (VAT) is 15%. The economy has long been dominated by cocoa exports and foreign aid. Offshore oil potential (Joint Development Zone with Nigeria) has not yet materialized in significant production. The country joined the EITI (Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative).
South Africa vs Sao Tome and Principe: Key Tax Differences (2026)
💰 Income Tax: 🇿🇦 South Africa has a higher top income tax rate (18–45% vs 0–25%). 🇸🇹 Sao Tome and Principe is more favourable for high earners.
🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: South Africa has a higher consumption tax (16% vs 15%).
🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇸🇹 Sao Tome and Principe 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.