Will SARS owe you money?
Estimate whether SARS may owe you a refund or you may owe a balance by combining PAYE paid, retirement annuity contributions and medical scheme credits.
Also try the Income Tax Calculator.
Your Annual Figures
Total tax deducted by your employer over the year.
Excluding yourself.
SARS Compliance Note
This estimation assumes standard Section 11F and 6A/6B-style relief. Individual cases vary. Not formal tax advice.
How tax refunds work in South Africa
A tax refund is not a “bonus from SARS” — it usually means you overpaid during the year relative to your final liability after deductions and credits. A balance due means you underpaid.
What this estimator uses
- Gross annual income
- Total PAYE paid (from IRP5)
- Retirement annuity contributions (Section 11F style relief within limits)
- Medical dependents for credit-style relief (Section 6A-style modelling)
- Age (rebates)
Worked idea
If your employer withheld more PAYE than your final tax after RA and medical credits, the difference appears as a refund. If you contributed little to an RA but had high taxable income, you might still owe money.
Limits of the tool
Travel allowances, donations, capital gains, foreign income and fringe benefits are not fully modelled. Use Income Tax Calculator for band context and Resources for guides. This is an estimate only.
Refund FAQ
Is a refund guaranteed if the tool shows green?
No. Only SARS assessment is final.
Where do I find PAYE paid?
IRP5 / tax certificate from your employer.
Do RA contributions always increase my refund?
They can reduce taxable income within legal limits; results vary.