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VAT calculator

Enter a price and choose whether to add VAT or take it out. You get the price excluding VAT, the VAT and the total your tax invoice will show.

I want to

VAT

R 150,00

Price excluding VAT
R 1 000,00
VAT at 15%
R 150,00
Total including VAT
R 1 150,00
Make this tax invoice

How VAT is worked out

VAT is 15% of the price excluding VAT. On R1,000 the VAT is R150 and the total R1,150.

To take VAT out of a price that includes it, multiply by 15/115: R1,150 includes R150 of VAT. That works only when the whole price is standard-rated.

Round VAT to the nearest cent. On a tax invoice you can show the VAT on its own line, or the VAT-inclusive total with “VAT included @ 15%” when every item is standard-rated.

When you charge VAT

  • Only once you’re a registered VAT vendor — compulsory when your taxable sales pass R2.3 million in 12 months (from 1 April 2026); voluntary from R120,000.
  • At 0% on zero-rated supplies such as brown bread, exports and many services to non-residents.
  • Not at all on exempt supplies such as residential rent and most financial services.

Last updated 2026-10-01. This calculator is a guide, not tax advice.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate VAT from a total?

Multiply the VAT-inclusive total by 15 and divide by 115. R575 includes R75 of VAT, so the price excluding VAT is R500.

Do I charge VAT if I’m not registered?

No. Until SARS registers you, your invoices show no VAT and must not be titled “Tax Invoice”.

Is VAT still 15%?

Yes. The proposed increase to 15.5% was withdrawn in 2025, so the standard rate stays 15%.