Accurate VAT Calculator South Africa

Use our free VAT Calculator South Africa to add, remove, or reverse 15% VAT instantly. Ideal for businesses, freelancers, accountants, and shoppers who need fast and accurate VAT calculations.

Calculate VAT Now — Free & Instant

No signup required • Instant results • Uses South Africa's current 15% VAT rate

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How to Use This VAT Calculator

What is VAT in South Africa?

Value Added Tax (VAT) is an indirect tax on the consumption of goods and services in South Africa. The standard VAT rate in South Africa is 15%, collected by SARS-registered vendors on all taxable supplies. All businesses with taxable turnover above R1 million must register as VAT vendors.

VAT is governed by the VAT Act 89 of 1991. The rate increased from 14% to 15% in April 2018. Refer to the official SARS website for the latest regulations and filing requirements.

How VAT Calculations Work in South Africa

Adding VAT (VAT Inclusive)

Formula: Add VAT

Worked Example — Adding VAT

A product costs R800 before VAT. Multiply R800 × 1.15 = R920. The VAT amount is R120. The VAT inclusive price is R920.

Removing VAT (VAT Exclusive)

Formula: Remove VAT

Worked Example — Removing VAT

A receipt shows R1,150 including VAT. Divide R1,150 ÷ 1.15 = R1,000. The price before VAT is R1,000. VAT paid was R150.

Reverse VAT Calculation

Formula: Reverse VAT

Worked Example — Reverse VAT

VAT paid was R225. Divide R225 ÷ 0.15 = R1,500. The original price before VAT was R1,500.

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

The standard 15% rate applies to the majority of goods and services. Zero-rated items are taxable at 0%, allowing vendors to claim input VAT. Exempt supplies fall outside the VAT system entirely. See our full guide on zero-rated items and VAT exemptions in South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VAT rate in South Africa?

The standard VAT rate in South Africa is 15%.

How do I calculate VAT?

Multiply the amount by 15% to calculate VAT, or use the calculator for instant results.

How do I remove VAT from a total amount?

Divide the VAT‑inclusive amount by 1.15 to get the amount excluding VAT.

What is reverse VAT?

Reverse VAT calculates the original amount before VAT was added.

What items are zero‑rated in South Africa?

Examples include certain basic food items, exports, and some agricultural products.

Sarah van der Merwe CA(SA)

Updated April 2026 | Sarah is a Chartered Accountant with 12 years of experience in VAT compliance for South African businesses. This tool is reviewed regularly to ensure SARS compliance.

Reviewer of calculations • Tax Specialist