Hidden Tax Hacks: 5 Deductions You Should Be Claiming

As tax season approaches, many South Africans are looking for ways to legally reduce their tax burden. While most people know about retirement annuities and tax-free savings accounts, there are a few lesser-known tax breaks that can make a significant difference.

According to BusinessTech , South Africans are expected to face higher taxes in 2025 due to inflationary bracket creep and a lack of tax bracket adjustments. However, financial experts stress that taking advantage of available deductions can help offset some of the impact. Here are five tax-saving strategies that many taxpayers overlook:

If youre paying for medical aid, you might be entitled to a monthly tax credit from SARS. This applies not only to your own contributions but also to those made on behalf of dependants. Additionally, out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceed 7.5 of your taxable income may qualify for further deductions.

Many taxpayers assume their medical aid provider handles this automatically, but it's worth checking your tax certificate to ensure you're claiming the full benefit.

Donating to a Public Benefit Organisation PBO doesn't just support a worthy cause - it can also earn you a tax break. If the organisation is registered under Section 18A, you can claim up to 10 of your taxable income in deductions.