Practical guide
How to Use the Travel Allowance Calculator South Africa
Mileage claim = logged business km × employer rate. Gross claim = mileage + approved tolls + parking + other expenses. Balance due = gross claim − advance. Mileage above prescribed rate = business km × max(0, employer rate − SARS rate).
Updated 14 October 2026
How to use the travel allowance calculator south africa
Choose the tax year matching the travel period. Enter logged business kilometres and the employer-approved rate, approved expenses and advance. Enter travel days if you want a per-day claim result.
Worked example (illustration only)
1 000 business km at R4.95/km gives R4 950 mileage. R100 approved parking makes R5 050 gross. Subtract a R6 000 advance: balance is −R950, meaning an advance surplus of R950. Example only.
What the result includes
This is reimbursive arithmetic. It does not calculate a fixed allowance deduction or the vehicle-value deemed-cost tables. Normal home-to-work commuting is private travel. A prescribed rate is not a blanket exemption or a promise of reimbursement.
Verified SARS rate
For the 2027 year of assessment (1 March 2026 to 28 February 2027), the prescribed reimbursive rate is R4.95/km. The previous 2026 year uses R4.76/km. Checked 14 October 2026 against SARS rates and allowance guidance.
Records and other compensation
Keep business travel records and a logbook. Other travel compensation can affect final assessment. The output above the prescribed mileage rate excludes other expenses and does not determine their tax treatment.
Use the related calculators
Apply the explanation above with your own figures. Open a calculator below, check every input and review the result assumptions before making a decision.
Official information
Formula and worked example checked. Prices and provider terms must be confirmed separately. See SARS allowance guidance. Rules, rates and institutional requirements can change, so confirm time-sensitive information at the official source.