Are pension fund contributions tax deductible in South Africa?

Yes, pension fund contributions are tax deductible in South Africa. However certain annual limits apply. You may deduct up to 27.5% of your taxable income, subject to an annual limit of R430'000 for the 2026/27 tax year.

Example:

• If you earn R300 000 a year, a maximum of 27.5% x R300 000, or R82 500, can be used as tax deduction
• If you earn R1 500 000 a year, the maximum you can claim as tax deduction is R412 500 (27.5% of income, still below the R430 000 cap).