VAT calculator
South African VAT calculator
Inclusive and exclusive VAT is the easy part. The standard South African VAT rate is 15%. The Chrome extension works out the number. If you need help with registration, VAT201 returns or a SARS query, talk to the practice that files this work every month.
What the calculator does
- Add VAT to a price (exclusive → inclusive)
- Remove VAT from a price (inclusive → exclusive)
- Uses the standard South African VAT rate of 15%
Need help with VAT?
Tell us what is going on. We will come back to you — no ticket number, no account manager.
How to calculate VAT in South Africa
VAT inclusive means the 15% tax is already in the price. VAT exclusive means you still have to add it. At the standard rate, the factor is 1.15.
How to calculate a VAT-inclusive price
Inclusive = exclusive × 1.15
Example: R1 000 exclusive × 1.15 = R1 150 inclusive. The VAT is R150.
VAT exclusive formula
Exclusive = inclusive ÷ 1.15
Example: R1 150 inclusive ÷ 1.15 = R1 000 exclusive. The VAT is R150.
When a calculator is not enough
A price check is useful. These are the moments it stops being enough.
Approaching the threshold
Compulsory registration is based on taxable supplies in any consecutive twelve-month period, not your financial year. Crossing it late can mean VAT you never charged.
Returns that have to survive SARS
VAT201s are frequent and unforgiving. We prepare and submit them, reconciled to your books, so a verification does not start with a scramble.
A verification or disallowed claim
SARS verifies VAT more aggressively than almost anything else. We assemble the response and review input claims before they are rejected.
Not sure whether to register
If your customers are VAT-registered businesses, registering usually helps. If they are the public, adding VAT to your prices generally hurts. We work through your numbers.
How we help with VAT
- VAT registration with SARS, including the supporting documents they now require
- Monthly or bi-monthly VAT201 preparation and submission
- Reconciliation of each return to your accounting records before filing
- Review of input VAT claims so they stand up to verification
- Support during SARS VAT verifications and audits
The calculator is general information only. It is not tax advice and does not replace a VAT return, a registration decision or correspondence with SARS.