United Kingdom 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
🇬🇧 United Kingdom — Devolved, Council & Business Rates
Scotland sets its own income tax bands (six bands; top rate 48%). Wales has limited income tax-varying powers. Northern Ireland follows UK rates. All residents pay Council Tax to local authorities (typically £1,200–£4,000+/year). Business rates are set nationally but collected locally. SDLT applies to property purchases (LBTT in Scotland, LTT in Wales).
🇿🇦 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.
United Kingdom vs South Africa: Key Tax Differences (2026)
💰 Income Tax: United Kingdom and South Africa have similar top income tax rates (0–45% vs 18–45%).
🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: United Kingdom has a higher consumption tax (0–20% vs 16%).
🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 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 24%), benefiting investors.