VAT calculator

VAT (value-added tax) is 15% in South Africa. Add it to a price, or take it out of a price that already includes it. You can also check whether your turnover means you must register as a VAT vendor. Nothing you enter leaves this page.

What do you want to do? Pick one. The fields below change to match.

Price before VAT The amount without VAT.

Taxable turnover in the last 12 months Sales of goods and services, before VAT. Use the coming 12 months if you expect a jump.

Price before VAT

VAT at 15%

Price including VAT

How the VAT sums work

To add VAT, multiply the price by 1.15. A R10 000 job becomes R11 500, and R1 500 of that is VAT you collect for SARS (the South African Revenue Service).

To take VAT out, divide the full price by 1.15. R11 500 divided by 1.15 is R10 000, so the VAT inside it is R1 500. A common mistake is to take 15% off the full price. That gives R9 775, which is wrong, because the 15% was worked out on the smaller ex-VAT amount, not on the total.

Registration is a separate question. From 1 April 2026 you must register once your taxable supplies pass R2.3 million in any 12 month period. Under that, registration is your choice once you pass R120 000. Registering lets you claim back VAT on what you buy, but it also means a VAT return every two months and VAT on every invoice you send.

Frequently asked questions

How do I take VAT off a price?

Divide the VAT-inclusive price by 1.15. That gives the price before VAT. The difference is the VAT. Do not multiply by 15% and subtract - that gives the wrong answer because the 15% was worked out on the smaller ex-VAT amount.

When must a business register for VAT?

Registration is compulsory once taxable supplies pass R2.3 million in any 12 month period, or are expected to in the next 12 months. This threshold applies from 1 April 2026. Below that, you may register voluntarily once taxable supplies pass R120 000 in a 12 month period.

Can I charge VAT if I am not registered?

No. Only a registered VAT vendor may charge VAT or issue a tax invoice. Charging VAT without a VAT number is an offence, and your customers cannot claim it back.

Deadlines and rule changes, by email

Filing dates, fee increases and rule changes that affect small South African businesses. One email when something matters, never more than monthly.

Keep exploring

Turnover tax calculator Company tax calculator Invoice generator Deadlines calendar

VAT rate and registration thresholds from SARS, "Value-Added Tax" and the Budget 2026 FAQ, sars.gov.za. Thresholds apply from 1 April 2026. SARS decides on every registration.