South Africa VAT Calculator
Add or remove 15% South African VAT in rand.
Recent calculations
The South Africa VAT calculator uses the 15% standard rate in rand (ZAR). South Africa has charged 15% since 2018. Use it to work out VAT-inclusive prices for quotes or split a till slip into the VAT-exclusive amount and the VAT.
How to calculate 15% VAT
To find the VAT-exclusive amount, divide by 1.15. To find the VAT in an inclusive price directly, multiply by 15/115 (about 0.1304). SARS calls this the “tax fraction”.
- R 1,000 excl. VAT → R 1,150 incl. VAT
- R 2,300 incl. VAT → R 2,000 excl. VAT, VAT R 300
Zero-rated items in South Africa
A basket of basic foods is zero-rated. It includes brown bread, maize meal, rice, dried beans, eggs, milk, and most fresh fruit and vegetables. Exports are also zero-rated.
See how South Africa compares on the VAT rates by country page, or read VAT inclusive vs exclusive.
Sources: Source: SARS: Value-Added Tax, with rates, registration and zero-rated supplies.
FAQ
How do I calculate VAT inclusive in South Africa?
Multiply the VAT-exclusive price by 1.15. For example, R 500 × 1.15 = R 575.
How do I calculate VAT from a VAT-inclusive amount?
Multiply the total by 15/115. For example, R 575 × 15 ÷ 115 = R 75.
Who has to register for VAT?
Businesses whose taxable turnover goes above the compulsory threshold set by SARS must register. Smaller businesses can apply to register voluntarily.