Tax guide

Medical Tax Credits in South Africa: A Complete Guide

South Africa offers two types of medical tax credits: the Medical Scheme Fees Tax Credit (Section 6A) and the Additional Medical Expenses Tax Credit (Section 6B). Together, these can significantly reduce your tax bill, especially if you have dependants or high medical expenses.

Medical Scheme Fees Tax Credit (Section 6A)

For the 2026/2027 tax year, you receive a fixed monthly credit of R376 for the main member, R376 for the first dependant, and R254 for each additional dependant. These credits apply regardless of what you actually pay in medical aid contributions.

Additional Medical Expenses Tax Credit (Section 6B)

If your out-of-pocket medical expenses (plus medical aid contributions exceeding 4× the Section 6A credits) are significant, you may claim an additional credit. For taxpayers under 65, the formula is: 25% × (qualifying expenses minus 7.5% of taxable income). Over-65s get a more generous calculation.

What Counts as Qualifying Medical Expenses?

Doctor and specialist visits, prescription medication, hospital stays, dental work, optometry, physiotherapy, and prescribed chronic medication. Also includes disability-related expenses (wheelchair, modifications to home/vehicle). Keep ALL receipts and medical aid statements.

How Taxzi Helps

We flag pharmacy and medical-looking debits so you can sort them. A Clicks line is not a 6B credit by itself. 6A comes from your medical scheme certificate and member count. Keep slips if you intend to support 6B.

Disclaimer: This is general guidance based on the South African Income Tax Act and published SARS Interpretation Notes as at the 2026/2027 year of assessment (1 March 2026 – 28 February 2027). It is not professional tax advice. Deductibility depends on your facts. Confirm current figures on sars.gov.za before you file.

Find the medical expense claims in your bank statements

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.

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