Provisional Tax Return
Submitted twice per year (with an optional third top-up payment) by taxpayers whose income is not fully covered by PAYE — including freelancers, rental income earners, business owners, and any taxpayer with taxable income above R1 million. Companies also use the IRP6 for provisional tax; the annual company income tax return is filed separately on the ITR14.
P0
Period Indicator
Specifies whether this is the first period (6-month estimate, due end of August) or second period (full-year estimate, due end of February). The first period payment equals half the estimated annual tax; the second period settles the balance.
P1
Estimated Taxable Income
Best estimate of total taxable income for the full tax year, including salary, business income, rental profit, investment income, and 40% of any taxable capital gains. For individuals: must be at least 90% of actual income to avoid a 20% underestimation penalty. For companies: at least 80%.
P2
Tax on Estimated Income
Tax calculated on estimated taxable income using the current year's tax tables and applicable rebates. Individuals use the sliding scale (18%–45%); companies use the flat 27% rate (or SBC graduated rates for qualifying small businesses).
P2a
Less: Tax Rebates
Age-based rebates deducted from gross tax liability. Primary rebate: R17,235 (all individuals). Secondary rebate: R9,444 (age 65–74). Tertiary rebate: R3,145 (age 75 and older). These are the 2024/25 figures.
P2b
Less: Medical Scheme Fees Tax Credit
Monthly medical aid tax credit (section 6A) deducted from tax liability before calculating the provisional payment. R364/month for the principal member, R364 for the first dependant, R246 per additional dependant.
P3
Less: Employees Tax (PAYE)
PAYE already deducted from your salary by employer(s) during the tax year. Enter 0.00 if not applicable. Reduces the provisional tax still outstanding.
P4
Less: Provisional Tax Previously Paid
Provisional tax already paid for this tax year in a previous IRP6 submission. The first period payment is deducted when calculating the second period liability.
P5
Less: Foreign Tax Credits
Tax paid to foreign governments on income also taxable in South Africa, subject to section 6quat limitations. Must not exceed the South African tax that would have applied to that same income.
P6
Amount Payable / Refundable
Net provisional tax payable after deducting rebates, PAYE, previous provisional payments, and foreign tax credits. A negative result indicates a refund due. A voluntary third period top-up payment (due 30 September for individuals) can reduce section 89quat interest on underpayments exceeding R50,000.