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Newsflash | The National Budget Speech: Crunching the Numbers

Earlier this afternoon, Finance Minister Godongwana tabled the much-anticipated 2025/2026 National Budget Speech (‘the budget’). After an unprecedented postponement triggered by widespread disagreement within the Government of National Unity over a proposed 2% VAT hike, the budget contained the following tax-related highlights:

VAT

Noting the difficult policy trade-offs in formulating the budget, the Minister proposed that VAT would increase by 0.5% to 15.5% on 1st May 2025. This would be followed by an additional increase of 0.5% in 2026, with both adjustments expected to expand revenue by approximately R42.5 billion over two years. Cautiously considering the distributional impact and effect of a VAT adjustment, the National Treasury opted for a marginal increase to extend the social wage and prevent additional spending cuts. As VAT is included in the purchase price of new builds sold by developers, a VAT increase slightly raises the overall cost of purchasing such properties.

Transfer duty

Pursuant to a careful review of current tax tables, the Minister announced that the monetary thresholds for transfer duty will be adjusted upwards by 10% to counter inflation. As such, purchasing a property with an acquisition value of R1 210 000.00 or less will not attract the payment of transfer duty. The threshold adjustment, which reduces the associated cost of purchasing property and expands the pool of prospective purchasers, is proposed to take effect on 1st April 2025.

Personal income tax and medical tax credits

In a decision the Minister assures viewers was not taken lightly, personal income tax brackets and rebates will not be adjusted for inflation. Absent an inflationary adjustment, taxpayers who received a salary increase in 2025 will pay more tax, or may find themselves in a higher tax bracket. Further, there are no increases to individual tax rebates for individuals. Anticipated to raise additional revenue of R19.5 billion, this proposal is effective 1st March 2025. Similarly, medical tax rebates remain unchanged.

Other taxes

Offering some relief to stressed taxpayers, the Minister did not propose increases to capital gains tax, dividends tax, estate duty, corporate income tax, or donations tax. However, the monetary thresholds for the exemption on tax-free investments and interest income remain unchanged.

For further information or to consult with a dedicated and business-focused attorney, contact us at info@stbb.co.za today.

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