South Africa vs Switzerland
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
π° Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country β side by side.
πΏπ¦ South Africa β Provincial & Municipal Taxes
South Africa's 9 provinces do not levy their own income tax β this is national. Municipalities levy property rates (0.5%β2.5% 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.
π¨π Switzerland β Cantonal & Communal Taxes
Switzerland's 26 cantons and ~2,200 communes independently set income and corporate tax rates. Zug (~12% combined top) and Nidwalden are among the lowest globally; Geneva and Vaud reach ~45% combined. Wealth tax is levied by cantons. Pillar Two supplementary tax is active for large MNCs. Inheritance and gift taxes are cantonal.
South Africa vs Switzerland: Key Tax Differences (2026)
π° Income Tax: πΏπ¦ South Africa has a higher top income tax rate (18β45% vs 0β11.5%). π¨π Switzerland is more favourable for high earners.
π VAT/Sales Tax: South Africa has a higher consumption tax (16% vs 2.6β8.1%).
π’ Corporate Tax: π¨π Switzerland offers a lower corporate rate (26% vs 27%), which can influence business location decisions.
π Capital Gains: π¨π Switzerland taxes investment gains at a lower rate (0% vs 18%), benefiting investors.