South African VAT Rate
15%
R
Enter the Rand amount, then use the toggle above to add or remove 15% VAT.
Original amount
R 0.00
VAT (15%)
R 0.00
Total (incl. VAT)
R 0.00
How VAT Works in South Africa
How to calculate VAT in South Africa
South Africa's standard VAT rate is 15%, set by SARS (South African Revenue Service). Most goods and services are subject to VAT, with some zero-rated exceptions like basic foodstuffs and exports.
To add VAT to an amount (price excluding VAT):
VAT Amount = Price × 0.15 | Total = Price × 1.15
To remove VAT from an amount (price including VAT):
Original Price = Total ÷ 1.15 | VAT Amount = Total − Original Price
This calculator handles both directions instantly. Simply enter your amount and toggle between "Add VAT" and "Remove VAT".
VAT categories in South Africa: Not everything carries 15% VAT. There are three categories:
- Standard-rated (15%): Most goods and services — electronics, clothing, restaurants, professional fees.
- Zero-rated (0%): Basic foodstuffs including brown bread, dried beans, lentils, maize meal, rice, milk, eggs, cooking oil, and fruit and vegetables. Exports and certain farming inputs also qualify. Businesses can still claim back input VAT on zero-rated supplies.
- VAT-exempt: No VAT at all — examples include residential property rentals, certain financial services, and public road and rail transport. Suppliers of exempt goods cannot claim back input VAT, which is a key difference from zero-rated.