Entrepreneurs often use "tax number" and "VAT number" interchangeably. They aren't necessarily the same thing, and providing the wrong one when a customer specifically needs a VAT number for their own records can create compliance headaches.
Source: SARS
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every business have a VAT number?
No — only businesses registered for VAT have a VAT registration number.
Does every company have an income-tax number?
Companies are generally registered for income tax as required under the tax system.
Can I put my income-tax number where a customer asks for my VAT number?
No — if the customer specifically requires a VAT number, the relevant VAT registration information should be provided.