Property

Tax deductions for Real Estate Agents

A reference to SARS-allowable deductions commonly discussed by estate agents, property practitioners, and property managers in South Africa. Eligibility still depends on whether you have a trade or only a salary.

Common tax deductions for Real Estate Agents in South Africa

For Real Estate Agents, the lines that actually differ from the next profession are vehicle and fuel expenses, marketing costs, ppra (property practitioners regulatory authority) registration fees. Each one still has to be incurred in the production of income. A salary-only year is gated by section 23(m) before any of them count.

If this year is salary only, read section 23(m) — what still counts before treating the list below as claims.

Vehicle and fuel expenses - property viewings, show days, client meetings (logbook essential)Section 8(1)(b)
Marketing costs - flyers, signage, online advertising, professional photographySection 11(a)
PPRA (Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority) registration feesSection 11(a)
Cellphone, internet, and data expenses (business portion)Section 11(a)
Home office for admin and client managementSection 23(b)
Professional development - NQF courses, compliance trainingSection 11(a)

Important: This is general guidance based on the Income Tax Act and SARS Interpretation Notes. It is not professional tax advice. Deductibility depends on your individual circumstances. Consult a registered tax practitioner for complex situations. All SARS section references are based on current legislation and may be subject to change.

OFO and IRP5 codes for Real Estate Agents

Occupation codes 3334, 1439 on the ITR12, and the source codes that usually show on a certificate for real estate agent work.

OFO Occupation Code (ITR12)

Select one of these when SARS eFiling asks for your occupation:

  • 3334Real Estate Agent
  • 1439Property Manager

IRP5 / IT3(a) Source Codes

Common income source codes on your tax certificate:

  • 3605Commission
  • 3616Independent Contractor

OFO codes are from the Organising Framework for Occupations used by SARS on the ITR12 return. IRP5 source codes appear on the tax certificate issued by your employer or contractor. Codes are based on the current SARS eFiling system and may be updated by SARS periodically.

Review statements for Real Estate Agent work

Upload bank statements. Taxzi flags lines that may qualify under SARS rules. Mixed shops stay out until you say what they were. You confirm every claim. This is guidance — not a filed return.

Works with FNB, Standard Bank, Absa, Nedbank, Capitec, Investec and Discovery Bank PDF statements.

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