South Africa Tax Revenue
Tax revenue as % of GDP GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS
South Africa's tax revenue was 26.63% in 2025, ranked 10th globally. This represents a 4.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1972–2025.
Overview
South Africa's tax revenue stood at 26.63% in 2025, a rise of +1.23% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 26.63% by 2025. South Africa ranked 10th globally.
South Africa's tax revenue has demonstrated a steady upward trajectory over the past five decades, with the latest figure standing at 26.63 as of 2025. From an all-time low of 15.03 in 1972, the country's tax revenue has more than doubled, indicating a significant improvement in the government's fiscal capacity. This growth has allowed South Africa to converge with its peer nations, with Luxembourg boasting a slightly higher tax revenue of 26.79, while Austria trails closely behind with a value of 26.10. The peak in tax revenue in 2025 underscores the country's economic resilience in the face of global headwinds. However, the trajectory of tax revenue may be influenced by the country's ongoing efforts to stimulate economic growth and mitigate fiscal challenges, such as the potential impact of future economic downturns or shifts in government policies.
Data & projection
| Year | Tax Revenue | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 27.01% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 26.63% | - | - |
| 2025 | 26.63% | +1.23% | #10 |
| 2023 | 25.40% | −0.62% | #90 |
| 2022 | 26.02% | +0.07% | #105 |
| 2021 | 25.95% | +2.69% | #119 |
| 2020 | 23.26% | −1.60% | #121 |
| 2019 | 24.87% | −0.03% | #124 |
| 2018 | 24.89% | +0.13% | #123 |
| 2017 | 24.77% | −0.06% | #133 |
| 2016 | 24.83% | −0.22% | #131 |
| 2015 | 25.05% | +0.62% | #134 |
| 2014 | 24.43% | +0.60% | #124 |
| 2013 | 23.83% | +0.49% | #114 |
| 2012 | 23.35% | +0.47% | #115 |
| 2011 | 22.87% | +0.35% | #111 |
| 2010 | 22.52% | +0.63% | #108 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw tax revenue improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's tax revenue was 26.63% in 2025. Ranked 10th globally. This represents a 4.8% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's tax revenue peaked at 26.63% in 2025.
The lowest tax revenue in South Africa was 15.03% in 1972.
South Africa ranks 10th globally in tax revenue as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's tax revenue is projected to reach 26.63% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The tax revenue of South Africa in 2025 was 26.63%. This ranks 10th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_tax-revenue,
title = {South Africa Tax Revenue},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/tax-revenue/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}