South African VAT Calculator: Work Out VAT Quickly

VAT (Value-Added Tax) is one of the most common taxes in South Africa. Whether you’re a business owner, freelancer, or consumer, understanding how VAT works helps you manage costs and comply with SARS requirements.

Our South African VAT Calculator makes it simple to calculate VAT on any amount.

What is VAT in South Africa?

  • VAT (Value-Added Tax) is a tax charged on most goods and services.

  • The standard VAT rate is 15%.

  • Some items are zero-rated (e.g., brown bread, maize meal) or VAT-exempt (e.g., financial services, education).

  • Businesses with a turnover of R1 million or more per year must register for VAT.

How to Calculate VAT

VAT can be calculated in two main ways:

  1. Adding VAT to a price (exclusive to inclusive):
    Example: R1,000 (excl. VAT) × 15% = R150 VAT.
    Total = R1,150 (incl. VAT).

  2. Removing VAT from a price (inclusive to exclusive):
    Example: R1,150 (incl. VAT) ÷ 1.15 = R1,000 excl. VAT.
    VAT amount = R150.

Practical Example: VAT Calculation

Example:
Lebo sells furniture for R20,000 excluding VAT.

  • VAT = R20,000 × 15% = R3,000

  • Total including VAT = R23,000

If a customer paid R23,000 (incl. VAT), the VAT portion would be R3,000, and Lebo keeps R20,000 as revenue.

South African VAT Calculator

Use our calculator below to work out VAT-inclusive or VAT-exclusive prices:

South African VAT Calculator (15%)

Original Amount: R0.00

VAT (15%): R0.00

Total: R0.00

Formula used:

VAT in South Africa is fixed at 15% since April 2018.

Why Use the VAT Calculator?

  • Quickly add or remove VAT.

  • Avoid calculation errors.

  • Useful for invoices, quotes, and budgeting.

  • Helps consumers understand the VAT portion of purchases.

Who Should Use the VAT Calculator?

  • Business owners – to check invoice totals.

  • Freelancers & contractors – to calculate VAT on services.

  • Shoppers & consumers – to see how much VAT is included in purchases.

  • Accountants & bookkeepers – for quick verification of VAT entries.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the VAT rate in South Africa?

The standard VAT rate is 15%.

2. Who needs to register for VAT?

Any business with an annual turnover of R1 million or more must register. Voluntary registration is possible for turnover above R50,000.

3. What are zero-rated items?

Products like maize meal, brown bread, rice, and milk that are charged at 0% VAT.

4. What are VAT-exempt items?

Services like education, financial services, and public transport where VAT does not apply.

5. Can I claim VAT back?

Yes, VAT-registered businesses can claim input VAT on purchases used for business.

6. How often must VAT returns be submitted?

Usually every two months (bi-monthly), depending on your VAT category.

7. What happens if I don’t register for VAT when required?

SARS may impose penalties and interest.

8. Do freelancers need to charge VAT?

Only if their turnover exceeds R1 million per year or if they voluntarily register.

9. How do I calculate VAT from an inclusive price?

Divide the amount by 1.15 to find the exclusive price.

10. Does VAT apply to online sales?

Yes, VAT applies to digital products and services sold in South Africa.

Final Thoughts

VAT is a key part of doing business in South Africa. Whether you’re adding VAT to invoices or checking how much VAT is in your shopping bill, our South African VAT Calculator makes it quick and simple.

👉 Try the calculator now and avoid VAT calculation mistakes.