On 21 February 2018, Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba delivered his maiden budget speech.
Following President Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address theme of hope and renewal, Gigaba placed key emphasis on the risks that have been a centre of concern for the South African economy.
These are the tax proposals as noted in the 2018 budget speech:
Value-added Tax
VAT has increased from 14% to 15% and will take effect from 1 April 2018. This increase will affect 80% of higher income earners. Zero-rated food, such as brown bread, will remain VAT-free.
Personal Income Tax
The personal income tax of those earning between R0 – R555 600 per annum will remain unchanged, while those who earn more than R555 601 per annum will be affected by a 3.1% increase. Primary, secondary and tertiary rebates are partially increased for inflation.
Estate Duty and Donations Tax
The Estate Duty rate has increased by 5% on dutiable estates in excess of R30 million. The same percentage increase is applicable on donations of more than R30 million.
Was | Now | |
Estate Duty above R30 million | 20% | 25% |
Donations above R30 million | 20% | 25% |
Sin Tax
2018 Sin Tax will increase by 6 – 10%. Tobacco will increase by 8.5%. The below infographic details the increase:
Excise Duty
Due to take effect as of 1 April 2018, the maximum ad valorem excise duty for motor vehicles and luxury goods will increase from 7% to 9%.
Fuel and Road Accident Fund Levy
On 4 April 2018, the General Fuel Levy will increase by 22 cents per litre, and the Road Accident Fund Levy will increase by 30 cents per litre.
Social Grants
Lower income households will be financially relieved through an increase in social grants. The grant increases, which will be effective as of 1 April 2018, are as follows:
Increase | Total amount | |
Disability Grant | R90 | R1690 |
Care Dependency Grant | R90 | R1690 |
Child Support Grant | R20 | R400 |
Old Age Grant | R90 | R1690 |
On 1 October 2018, these grants will increase by a further R10, taking the disability, care dependency and old age grants to R1 700, and the child support grant to R410.
Environmental Taxes
The Department of Environmental Affairs is due to publish a policy regarding the scope of environmental reform. Levy on plastic bags, vehicle emissions tax and the levy on light bulbs will be raised to promote eco-friendly choices.
Corporate Income Tax and Dividends Tax Rates
These have remained unchanged at 28% and 20% respectively.
General Points:
This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied upon as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your financial adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)