South Africa VAT Calculator
Easily calculate the 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) for any Rand amount. Add VAT to a price or extract the VAT amount from a total.
Calculator to Add/Include VAT
Enter the Rand amount to add VAT to
Calculator to Remove/Exclude VAT
Enter the Rand amount to remove VAT from
How VAT Calculations Work
Since SARS has set the VAT rate in South Africa to 15%, the calculator uses the decimal representation of 15% (0.15) to automatically add and subtract the VAT portion for any Rand Amount.
Adding VAT Calculation (VAT Inclusive Calculation)
Because VAT is charged at 15%, it means that to find the VAT amount to include in a pre-VAT Rand value, you need to multiply the Rand value by 0.15. The answer to this calculation is the Rand value of the VAT portion, which then needs to be added to the original amount to get the VAT inclusive amount. The VAT inclusive amount will always be more than the amount which excludes VAT.
Removing VAT Calculation (Reverse VAT Calculation)
If an amount already has VAT included, you can find the VAT excluded amount by dividing the original amount by 1 + VAT percentage (which is 15% in South Africa). In other words you can find the amount which excludes VAT by dividing the amount that includes VAT by 1.15. The Rand value of the VAT amount is then just equal to the original amount less the amount which excludes VAT. The amount excluding VAT will always be less than the VAT inclusive amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current VAT rate in South Africa?
The current VAT rate in South Africa is 15%, effective from 1 April 2018. There are proposed increases which are looking to take the rate up to 16% in 2026.
How do I calculate 15% VAT on a price?
In short:
- To add VAT, multiply the price by 0.15 and add the result to the original price.
- To remove VAT, divide the VAT-inclusive price by 1.15.
Do I need to register for VAT in South Africa?
You must register for VAT if your annual turnover exceeds R1 million. You may voluntarily register if your turnover is between R50,000 and R1 million.
What items are zero-rated for VAT?
Basic foodstuffs like brown bread, maize meal, rice, vegetables, fruit, milk, eggs, and pilchards are zero-rated. Fuel and exports are also zero-rated.
Who should use a VAT calculator?
Anyone who needs to quickly work out VAT for invoices, receipts, purchases, or business records.
Can I use this calculator for zero-rated or exempt items?
This calculator is designed for the standard 15% VAT rate. For zero-rated or exempt goods/services, VAT does not apply.