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Tax & SARS

VAT and Turnover Tax Are Different Systems — And Both Changed in 2026

The 2026 changes didn't just raise the compulsory VAT threshold — SARS also raised the qualifying ceiling for the separate Turnover Tax system, a simplified regime for micro businesses, to R2.3 million.

Entrepreneurs sometimes think of "tax" as one single registration. It isn't — a business may have obligations involving income tax, VAT, PAYE, UIF, SDL and other requirements depending on its structure. Being below the VAT threshold doesn't automatically mean a business has no other tax system to consider, and the right question is which system applies, not just whether VAT registration is required.

Source: SARS — Small Business Taxpayers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Turnover Tax?

It is a simplified tax system for qualifying micro businesses.

Is Turnover Tax the same as VAT?

No — they are separate tax systems with different purposes and rules.

Can a business below R2.3 million choose Turnover Tax?

A qualifying business may be able to use the Turnover Tax system, but eligibility requirements must be met.

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