South African VAT Calculator
Add or remove 15% VAT from any amount in seconds, with the working shown so you can check it.
| Amount excluding VAT | R 0.00 |
| VAT (15%) | R 0.00 |
| Amount including VAT | R 0.00 |
Nothing you type here is sent anywhere — this runs entirely in your browser tab.
The two calculations, explained
South Africa’s standard VAT rate is 15%. Getting from one figure to the other only ever needs one of two calculations, and the second one is where most people go wrong.
Adding VAT (you have the price excl. VAT)
Multiply by 1.15. R1,000 × 1.15 = R1,150. The VAT portion is R150.
Removing VAT (you have the price incl. VAT)
Divide by 1.15 — notby 0.85, and don’t just subtract 15%. R1,150 ÷ 1.15 = R1,000. The VAT portion is still R150, but 15% of R1,150 (R172.50) is the wrong number — that formula only works starting from the exclusive amount, which is exactly what you don’t have yet.
Do you need to charge VAT at all?
Only if you’re registered with SARS as a VAT vendor. Registration becomes compulsory once your taxable turnover exceeds R1 million in any rolling twelve-month period, and you can register voluntarily from R50,000. Charging VAT, or issuing a document that looks like a tax invoice, without being registered is not allowed — and it’s a common mistake for a growing business that crosses the threshold mid-year without noticing.
A valid tax invoice needs the words “Tax Invoice”, your name, address and VAT number, the date and a unique invoice number, a description of what was supplied, the amount, and the VAT charged — plus the buyer’s details for anything over R5,000.
Common questions
What is the current VAT rate in South Africa?
15%. A proposed increase to 15.5% and then 16% during 2025 and 2026 was withdrawn after legal challenges, and the standard rate has remained at 15% since April 2018.
How do I add VAT to a price?
Multiply the VAT-exclusive amount by 0.15 to get the VAT amount, then add it to the original amount. R1,000 excl. VAT becomes R1,000 + R150 = R1,150 incl. VAT.
How do I remove VAT from a price to find the VAT-exclusive amount?
Divide the VAT-inclusive amount by 1.15, not by 0.85 — a common mistake. R1,150 incl. VAT divided by 1.15 gives R1,000 excl. VAT, and the difference (R150) is the VAT portion.
Do I have to charge VAT on my invoices?
Only if you are a VAT vendor registered with SARS. Registration is compulsory once your taxable turnover exceeds R1 million in any consecutive twelve-month period, and voluntary from R50,000. An unregistered business must not charge VAT or issue a VAT invoice.
What must a valid South African VAT invoice show?
The words "Tax Invoice", the seller's name, address and VAT registration number, the invoice date and a unique number, a description of the goods or services, the amount, the VAT charged (or a statement that VAT is included at the rate charged), and — for invoices over R5,000 — the buyer's details too.
Is this calculator legal or tax advice?
No. It is a quick working tool for a standard 15% calculation. Zero-rated and exempt supplies, imports, and VAT on specific industries follow different rules — confirm anything that affects a real return with SARS or your accountant.
This is a general working tool for the standard 15% rate. Zero-rated and exempt supplies, imports and industry-specific rules are not covered — confirm anything that affects a real VAT return with SARS or your accountant.
Looking for other quick tools? See all free business calculators.
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