Learn the rules
Explainers
Plain-English answers to common South African money questions, with practical examples, official sources and a clear next step. This archive is curated for usefulness rather than volume.
Payroll
Gross vs net salary in South Africa
Gross salary is what you earn before deductions; net salary is what lands in your bank account. Here's how the two connect, with a worked example.
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Payroll
PAYE vs UIF: what's the difference?
PAYE and UIF both appear on every South African payslip, but they're completely different systems. Here's how tax and unemployment insurance compare.
Read the guide ↗UIF
UIF for domestic workers
Domestic workers are covered by the UIF — if they work 24+ hours a month. Who must register, what it costs, and what domestic workers can claim.
Read the guide ↗UIF
UIF maternity benefits in South Africa
Understand the unpaid-leave UIF maternity estimate, contribution-history checks, the twelve-month application window and why leave rights differ from benefit payments.
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Business
VAT for Small Businesses in South Africa
Understand South Africa's 2026 VAT thresholds, when a small business must register, and how VAT and Turnover Tax affect your choice.
Read the guide ↗VAT
VAT-Inclusive vs VAT-Exclusive Pricing
Learn VAT-inclusive and VAT-exclusive pricing, how to convert between them, and what South African tax invoices must show.
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Tax
What is PAYE?
PAYE — Pay As You Earn — is how SARS collects income tax from employees in South Africa. Here's what it is, who pays it, and how it affects your payslip.
Read the guide ↗UIF
What is UIF?
UIF — the Unemployment Insurance Fund — is a compulsory insurance scheme for South African employees. Here's what it covers, who pays, and who's exempt.
Read the guide ↗VAT
What is VAT?
VAT is a 15% consumption tax on most South African goods and services. Learn who pays it, how it works, and when VAT registration applies.
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