Switzerland vs South Africa
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
🇨🇭 Switzerland — 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 — 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.
Switzerland vs South Africa: Key Tax Differences (2026)
💰 Income Tax: 🇿🇦 South Africa has a higher top income tax rate (0–11.5% vs 18–45%). 🇨🇭 Switzerland is more favourable for high earners.
🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: South Africa has a higher consumption tax (2.6–8.1% vs 16%).
🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇨🇭 Switzerland offers a lower corporate rate (26% vs 27%), which can influence business location decisions.
📈 Capital Gains: 🇨🇭 Switzerland taxes investment gains at a lower rate (0% vs 18%), benefiting investors.