SARS Tax Refund Calculator
Estimate your SARS tax refund or tax shortfall for the 2025/2026 tax year. Enter your income, PAYE paid, and deductions to see if SARS owes you money.
Quick Calculator Get a fast estimate
R
R
Found on your IRP5/IT3(a) certificate.
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Deductible up to 27.5% of income, max R350,000.
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80% is included in taxable income by default.
Estimated SARS Refund
R 8 939
Actual Tax Liability
R 46 061
PAYE Paid
R 55 000
Taxable Income
R 350 000
Medical Aid Credits
R 8 736
Retirement Deduction
R 0
Effective Tax Rate
13.16%
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How to Estimate Your Tax Refund
Your SARS refund = PAYE Paid − Actual Tax Liability. If your employer deducted more PAYE than you actually owe (after deductions), SARS refunds the difference when you file your ITR12.
Enter your gross income and PAYE paid from your IRP5 certificate. Then add deductions like retirement annuity, medical expenses, and travel allowance to see if you qualify for a refund.
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Extended Calculator More options, charts, and scenario comparison
R
R
Code 4102 on your IRP5
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R
R
R
Estimated SARS Refund
R 9 114
Actual Tax
R 55 886
Tax Paid
R 65 000
Taxable Income
R 385 000
Note: This is an estimate for planning purposes. SARS may adjust based on your full ITR12 submission. File by 23 October (non-provisional) or 31 January (provisional) to avoid penalties.
Top 5 Reasons You May Get a Tax Refund
| Reason | Potential Saving |
|---|---|
| Retirement Annuity (RA) contributions not in payroll | Up to 27.5% of income deducted |
| Business travel logbook (R4.64/km) | Reduces travel allowance taxed |
| Out-of-pocket medical expenses | 25% or 33% credit for excess |
| Home office (works from home >50% of year) | Proportional of home costs |
| Section 18A donations to registered PBOs | Up to 10% of taxable income |
IRP5 Codes Reference
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 3601 | Salary / wages |
| 3605 | Annual bonus / commission |
| 3701 | Travel allowance (80% taxable) |
| 3810 | Employer medical aid (taxable fringe benefit) |
| 4001 | Pension fund contribution |
| 4003 | RA fund contribution |
| 4102 | PAYE deducted |
| 4116 | Medical aid tax credits |
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Professional Calculator Complete parameters, sensitivity analysis, and detailed breakdown
IRP5 Income (Codes)
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R
R
80% included in taxable income
R
Taxable fringe benefit
R
Other Income
R
R
R
Exempt: R23,800/year
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40% inclusion, R40k exclusion
Personal Details
Deductions
R
R
km
R
%
R
Max 10% of taxable income
R
Tax Already Paid
R
R
Estimated SARS Refund
R 6 382
Actual Tax
R 73 618
Tax Paid
R 80 000
Taxable Income
R 442 200
Total Deductions
R 69 000
Full ITR12 Breakdown
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Salary + Bonus | R 480 000 |
| Travel Allowance (80% taxable) | R 19 200 |
| Employer Medical Aid Fringe Benefit | R 12 000 |
| Total Gross Income | R 511 200 |
| Retirement Deduction | - R 45 000 |
| Travel Deduction | - R 24 000 |
| Taxable Income | R 442 200 |
| Gross Tax | R 99 589 |
| Less: Rebate | - R 17 235 |
| Less: Medical Credits | - R 8 736 |
| Net Tax Payable | R 73 618 |
| PAYE Paid | R 80 000 |
| Refund Due | R 6 382 |
Frequently Asked Questions
If the PAYE deducted from your salary exceeds your actual tax liability for the year, SARS owes you a refund. This happens when you have deductions (medical expenses, RA contributions, travel logbook) not accounted for in your PAYE.
For salaried employees (non-provisional taxpayers): usually 23 October. For provisional taxpayers: 31 January. Late filing incurs penalties of 20–200% of outstanding tax.
SARS aims to pay within 72 hours of assessment but this can take 7–21 business days if your return is selected for verification. Ensure your banking details are updated on eFiling.
Key deductions: RA/Pension contributions (up to 27.5% of income, max R350,000), travel logbook (R4.64/km deemed rate), home office expenses, Section 18A donations (up to 10%), and additional medical expenses.
Yes. SARS may select returns for verification or audit. Keep all supporting documents (IRP5, receipts, logbook, medical statements) for 5 years after filing. Respond to SARS queries within the stipulated timeframe to avoid additional penalties.