Claim the deductions most people miss.

1. 01

   Can I claim my medical expenses?

   Yes, through tax credits rather than a straight deduction. For the 2026/2027 tax year the medical scheme fees tax credit is R376 a month for you, R752 for you and one dependant, and R254 for each additional dependant. Out-of-pocket costs your scheme did not pay, such as doctor visits, medication, dental, eye care and physio, can add an additional medical expenses tax credit. Under 65, it is 25% of those costs (plus scheme fees above four times your monthly credits) that exceed 7.5% of your taxable income. If you are 65 or older, or you or a dependant has a disability, the rate is 33.3% and the 7.5% threshold falls away.

2. 02

   Do donations reduce my tax?

   Donations to approved public benefit organisations are deductible under Section 18A, up to 10% of your taxable income. You need a Section 18A receipt from the organisation for each donation. Anything above the 10% limit carries forward to the next tax year.

3. 03

   How much can I deduct for retirement contributions?

   Contributions to pension, provident and retirement annuity funds are deductible up to 27.5% of the greater of your remuneration or taxable income, capped at R430 000 a year from 1 March 2026 (it was R350 000). Contributions above the limit roll over to future years.

4. 04

   Can I claim my home office?

   Only if the space is specifically equipped for your work and used regularly and exclusively for it. If you earn a salary, you must also do more than half of your work there, or earn more than half of your income from commission. If you qualify, you can claim a share of costs such as rent or bond interest, rates, electricity and cleaning, in proportion to the floor area. Mali-X gives home office its own section and its own Mali-back estimate.

Figures for the 2026/2027 tax year (1 March 2026 to 28 February 2027), from SARS and the 2026 Budget.