Amount (excl. VAT)
R0.00
VAT (15%)
R0.00
Total (incl. VAT)
R0.00
VAT Rates in South Africa
| Type | Rate | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rate | 15% | Most goods and services |
| Zero Rated | 0% | Brown bread, milk, eggs, rice |
| VAT Exempt | N/A | Financial services, residential rent |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current standard VAT percentage in South Africa?
The current standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate in South Africa is 15%. This rate was implemented on April 1, 2018, increasing from the previous rate of 14%.
How do I add 15% VAT to a price?
To add VAT to a price, multiply the exclusive amount by 1.15. For example, if a service costs R100 before tax, the calculation is R100 × 1.15 = R115 inclusive of VAT.
How do I remove 15% VAT from a total amount?
To remove VAT from a total, divide the inclusive price by 1.15. For example, if a product is R115 including VAT, the exclusive price is R115 ÷ 1.15 = R100. Do not subtract 15% directly, as this yields an incorrect mathematical result.
What is a reverse VAT calculation?
Reverse VAT (or reverse tax calculation) finds the original exclusive amount starting only from the VAT amount itself. You can calculate this by dividing the VAT amount by 0.15 (e.g., R15 VAT ÷ 0.15 = R100 exclusive price).
What is Import VAT, and how is it calculated?
Import VAT is a tax levied on goods brought into South Africa from foreign countries, calculated at the standard 15% rate on the added sum of the customs value plus any customs duty (Formula: [Customs Value + Duty] × 0.15).
Which products are zero-rated or VAT-free in South Africa?
SARS zero-rates essential goods like brown bread, milk, maize meal, eggs, dried beans, tinned pilchards, and vegetable oil to support lower-income households. These items carry a 0% VAT rate.
What is the difference between zero-rated and VAT-exempt goods?
Zero-rated items are taxed at 0%, allowing businesses to claim back input VAT on related expenses. Exempt items (like residential rent or passenger transport) fall outside the VAT system entirely, meaning no input VAT can be claimed on expenses.
When must a business register for VAT with SARS?
Business registration is compulsory if your total taxable turnover exceeds R2.3 million in any consecutive 12-month period. Voluntary registration is allowed if your turnover has exceeded R120,000 in the past 12 months.
Sarah van der Merwe CA(SA)
Updated April 2026 | Sarah is a Chartered Accountant with 12 years of experience in VAT compliance. This tool is reviewed regularly to ensure SARS compliance. Read more on our About page.
Reviewer of calculations • Tax Specialist