VAT registration
Registering for VAT at SARS is document-heavy and query-prone, and a rejected application costs you weeks. We prepare it properly the first time, handle the SARS back and forth, and hand you your VAT number. Fixed price, in writing.
What is included
- Mandatory or voluntary VAT registration assessed for your situation
- The VAT101 application prepared and submitted on eFiling
- Supporting documents checked before submission - the step most rejections come from
- SARS queries and verification handled for you until the number is issued
- Your VAT registration confirmation delivered to your portal
- A first VAT cycle cheat sheet: invoicing rules, return dates, what to keep
Who must register, and who should
Registration is mandatory once your taxable supplies pass R1 million in any 12 month period. Voluntary registration is available from R50 000 turnover, and often worth it if your customers are VAT-registered businesses or you carry significant input costs. Not sure which you are? Say so in the questionnaire and we assess it as part of the fixed price.
SARS commonly asks for proof of trading, bank statements and premises details, and rejects applications with gaps. Our preparation step exists to make the first submission the last one.
How ordering works
- Order online and answer the questionnaire - turnover, bank details, trading history.
- We check your supporting documents, prepare the VAT101 and submit on eFiling.
- We handle SARS queries; your VAT number and confirmation land in your portal. Typical SARS processing: 10 to 21 business days.
Frequently asked questions
How long does VAT registration take in South Africa?
With complete documents, typically 10 to 21 business days at SARS. Verification requests can stretch it; incomplete first submissions are the biggest cause of long delays, which is exactly what our preparation prevents.
Can I register for VAT voluntarily below R1 million turnover?
Yes, from R50 000 in taxable supplies over 12 months (or with evidence you will reach it). Voluntary registration lets you claim input VAT and looks established to corporate customers, but it commits you to returns - we help you weigh it.
What documents does SARS need for VAT registration?
Typically: company registration documents, the representative's ID, proof of business address, proof of bank account, and evidence of trading such as invoices or contracts. We check yours against SARS's current list before anything is submitted.
What happens after I get my VAT number?
You charge 15% VAT on taxable supplies, issue tax invoices with your VAT number, and file returns (usually every two months). Your cheat sheet covers the first cycle; ongoing VAT returns are a separate service.
Keep the rest of your compliance on autopilot
The Compliance Retainer handles your CIPC deadlines every year for R590/yr.
View the retainerFree tools are estimates. Packs are templates and guidance, not legal or financial advice.