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Tax & Finance

Company Tax in South Africa: What Business Owners Must Know

Corporate income tax, provisional tax, dividends tax - the South African tax system for companies explained in plain English.

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Xage Finance Team

Xage Editorial Team

๐Ÿ“… 10 March 2026 ยท โฑ 1 min read ยท ๐Ÿ‘ 1 views
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Corporate Income Tax (CIT)

All South African registered companies pay tax on their taxable income. The standard rate is 27%. Small Business Corporations (SBCs) qualify for reduced rates.

Small Business Corporation Tax Rates 2024

  • R0 to R95,750: 0%
  • R95,751 to R365,000: 7% of amount above R95,750
  • R365,001 to R550,000: R18,848 plus 21% above R365,000
  • Above R550,000: R57,698 plus 27% above R550,000

To qualify as an SBC: turnover under R20M, SA resident company, no more than 20% passive income, no corporate shareholders.

Provisional Tax

Companies pay provisional tax twice a year - within 6 months of financial year start, and at year-end. Underpaying by more than 20% triggers a penalty.

Key Deductions

  • Business expenses (rent, salaries, insurance, marketing)
  • Depreciation on business assets
  • Solar panels - 125% deduction under Section 12B
  • Bad debts written off

Need help with your business?

Xage offers free tools and templates for South African businesses.

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