MoneyIdeas calculators
Online earnings & freelance tax calculator
Three simple questions. See what goes towards work costs, what to keep aside for tax, and what is left for you in the 2026/2027 South African tax year.
Your money split
How much is yours to keep?
Enter your earnings and choose whether you have other income. Your money split will appear here.
Planning estimate for 2026/27, not your SARS bill. Medical credits and some deductions can change the result. Tax already paid is not deducted here.
Show me the maths and assumptions
We add your side hustle profit to your other income, apply the SARS income tax brackets and age rebates, then subtract the tax on your other income alone. Monthly entries are multiplied by 12. Results are rounded for display only.
For South African resident individuals and sole proprietors using normal income tax. Excludes medical tax credits, retirement deduction calculations, capital gains, foreign tax credits, UIF, VAT, company tax and turnover tax. Use income after qualifying deductions where applicable. Business losses are not offset against other income.
PAYE and provisional payments are not subtracted. This is the extra tax from the side hustle, not an outstanding balance or an IRP6 instalment. Gross salary may overestimate tax if your taxable pay is lower.
SARS rates and rebates, checked 29 September 2026South Africa Tax Guide
How freelance & side hustle tax works in South Africa
Whether you take paid surveys, build websites, write content, or run an online store, SARS treats freelance earnings as taxable trade income. Unlike a full-time job where your employer deducts PAYE (Pay-As-You-Earn) automatically, online and freelance earners are responsible for calculating and setting aside their own tax.
Your tax is calculated on your taxable profit, not your gross revenue. That means you subtract legitimate work expenses from your side income before calculating the tax owed:
SARS Individual Income Tax Brackets (2026/2027 Tax Year)
Effective for the tax year ending 28 February 2027.
| Taxable Income Bracket | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| R1 – R237,100 | 18% of taxable income |
| R237,101 – R370,500 | R42,678 + 26% of amount above R237,100 |
| R370,501 – R512,800 | R77,362 + 31% of amount above R370,500 |
| R512,801 – R673,000 | R121,475 + 36% of amount above R512,800 |
| R673,001 – R857,900 | R179,147 + 39% of amount above R673,000 |
| R857,901 – R1,817,000 | R251,258 + 41% of amount above R857,900 |
| R1,817,001 and above | R644,489 + 45% of amount above R1,817,000 |
* Primary rebate: R17,235 applies to all natural persons under 65, establishing an effective tax-free threshold of R95,750 per year.
Lower Your Tax Legally
Allowable deductions for South African freelancers
Under Section 11(a) of the Income Tax Act, you may claim expenses incurred in the production of income, provided they are not capital in nature. Keep all invoices, receipts, and bank statements for at least 5 years.
Internet & Connectivity
A reasonable percentage of your uncapped fiber or mobile data plan directly used for your online work and client communication.
Hardware & Depreciation
Equipment under R7,000 can be written off immediately. Laptops and computers above R7,000 are written off over 3 years (Section 11(e)).
Software & Subscriptions
Professional tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, ChatGPT Plus, GitHub, web hosting, domain registrations, and invoicing apps.
Banking & Platform Fees
Transaction fees, currency conversion charges, PayPal withdrawal costs (FNB fees), and freelance platform commissions (Upwork, Fiverr).
SARS Compliance
When must you register for Provisional Tax?
In South Africa, anyone earning income from a trade, freelancing, or side hustles may qualify as a provisional taxpayer. You must register if:
- •Your gross side hustle or freelance income exceeds R30,000 in a tax year, and
- •Your total taxable income (salary + freelance profit) exceeds the tax-free threshold (R95,750 for under 65s).
Important Deadlines:
1st Period (IRP6): Due by 31 August (estimate for first 6 months).
2nd Period (IRP6): Due by 28/29 February (estimate for full year).
Annual Return (ITR12): Filed during regular tax season with final figures.
Got Questions?
Frequently asked questions about freelance tax in SA
Do I pay tax if my employer already deducts PAYE from my salary?
Yes. Your employer only deducts PAYE on your salary. When you file your annual tax return or provisional returns, SARS combines your salary with your net side hustle profit. Your freelance profit is taxed at your highest marginal tax bracket.
How much should I set aside every month for SARS?
As a general rule of thumb, setting aside 25% to 30% of your net freelance profit into a separate interest-bearing savings account will keep you safe. Use the calculator above with your actual numbers for a precise monthly estimate.
What happens if I don't declare my online earnings to SARS?
South African banks report cross-border inward payments and large account deposits to the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and SARS. Failing to declare income can result in penalties of up to 200% plus interest for non-compliance.
Can I claim home office expenses?
If you have a dedicated room used exclusively and regularly for freelance work, you may qualify to claim a pro-rated portion of rent/bond interest, water, and electricity. However, be aware that claiming home office expenses on a property you own can impact your Capital Gains Tax primary residence exclusion when you sell.