Pensioners have voiced their frustration over the tax burden they carry in retirement. The reactions came in the form of comments on The South African’s Facebook page.
Many older South Africans live on fixed incomes, such as a SASSA Older Person’s Grant or a private pension. They say everyday costs leave little room for paying taxes on top of their basic needs.
Pensioners say costs are out of hand
One commenter, Rita Botha, did not mince her words.
“No pensioner must pay VAT and TAX !!” she wrote.
Her comment drew support from others who feel older South Africans deserve a break after years of working and contributing to the economy.
Imelda Sue Carpyde was ready to take the matter further.
“Where’s the petition let’s sign it,” she said.
Pensioners want to know which stores help
Rina Cox praised businesses that offer relief to older shoppers.
“Thanks to stores that do it. Give us names please if stores,” she said.
Replying to her, Rendy Green offered a short but telling answer.
“none,” he wrote.
The exchange highlights how many pensioners feel they must search for small savings wherever they can find them.
What pensioners pay in tax
Pensioners already receive some relief from SARS. For the 2026/27 tax year, South Africans aged 65 to 74 pay income tax only if they earn more than R153 250 a year, while those aged 75 and older pay income tax if they earn more than R171 300. By comparison, the threshold for people under 65 is R99 000.
These higher thresholds stem from a secondary rebate of R9 765 for people aged 65 and older and a tertiary rebate of R3 249 for those aged 75 and older.
As a result, many pensioners who rely only on a SASSA grant do not pay income tax at all.
VAT is a different matter. It applies to most goods and services that pensioners buy, regardless of their age or income. A small number of basic food items are zero-rated. Even so, pensioners still pay VAT on many everyday essentials.
For older South Africans on tight budgets, every rand counts. Their comments suggest that many feel the current relief does not go far enough.
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