Tax-Free Savings Account Limits

Figures current at 27 September 2026. Source: TradeAnswers.

The limits
LimitAmountApplies to
Annual contributionR46,000Each tax year, 1 March to end February
Lifetime contributionR500,000Across all accounts, for life
Penalty on excess40%Of the amount contributed above either limit
Number of accountsNo limitBut the limits apply across all of them combined
Minimum ageNoneA parent may open one for a minor, against the child's limits
What is exempt inside the wrapper
TaxOutside a TFSAInside
InterestTaxed at your marginal rate above the exemptionExempt
South African dividends20% withheldExempt
Capital gains40% included at your marginal rateExempt
Foreign dividendsTaxed with a partial exemptionForeign withholding still applies
REIT distributionsTaxed as incomeExempt
What may be held
InstrumentAllowed
JSE-listed ETFsYes, if the fund is approved for TFSA use
Unit trustsYes, most
Fixed deposits and bank productsYes
Retail savings bondsYes
Individual JSE sharesNo
Derivatives and CFDsNo

Data maintained by TradeAnswers · updated as the figures change