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Tax & SARS

A VAT Invoice Is More Than Just a Receipt

A proper tax invoice contains specific information required by South African VAT law, including the supplier's VAT number, customer information, invoice date, description of goods and the VAT amount — depending on the transaction's value.

A beautifully designed invoice isn't necessarily a valid tax invoice. Businesses need to ensure their invoices contain the information required for VAT purposes, or risk complications claiming or substantiating input tax later.

Source: SARS — VAT 404 Guide for Vendors

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every invoice need to show VAT separately?

The requirements depend on the nature and value of the supply and applicable tax-invoice rules.

Why does the customer's VAT number sometimes appear on an invoice?

For certain transactions, customer details including the VAT registration number form part of the tax-invoice requirements.

Can a business claim input VAT without proper supporting documentation?

Generally, a vendor needs prescribed documentary evidence to substantiate an input-tax deduction.

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