Use TaxTim's free VAT calculator to work out South African Value-Added Tax at the standard rate of 15%. Enter any amount and choose whether it excludes VAT (to add 15% on top) or includes VAT (to pull the VAT portion back out — also called reverse or remove VAT). You'll see the amount excluding VAT, the VAT charged, and the VAT-inclusive total.
South Africa charges VAT at a standard rate of 15% on most goods and services. There are two common calculations:
The 15% rate was unchanged in Budget 2026 (the proposed increase was withdrawn). Only VAT-registered businesses charge VAT and may claim input VAT; you must register for VAT once your taxable turnover passes the SARS compulsory registration threshold.
South African VAT — standard rate.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard VAT rate | 15% |
| Add VAT | amount × 1.15 = VAT-inclusive total |
| Remove / reverse VAT | inclusive ÷ 1.15 = exclusive; VAT = inclusive × 15 ÷ 115 |
The 15% rate was unchanged in Budget 2026.
Adding VAT. A supplier quotes R2,000 excluding VAT. VAT = R2,000 × 15% = R300, so the VAT-inclusive price is R2,300.
Removing (reversing) VAT. A till slip shows R1,150 including VAT. The amount excluding VAT = R1,150 ÷ 1.15 = R1,000, so the VAT portion is R150.
The standard VAT rate in South Africa is 15%. It applies to most goods and services, while some supplies are zero-rated (0%) or exempt. The 15% rate was unchanged in Budget 2026.
Multiply the VAT-exclusive amount by 15% to get the VAT, then add it on. For example, on R100: VAT = R100 × 15% = R15, and the VAT-inclusive price is R115. You can also simply multiply by 1.15.
Divide the VAT-inclusive amount by 1.15 to get the amount excluding VAT, then subtract it from the inclusive amount to find the VAT. On R115: excluding VAT = R115 ÷ 1.15 = R100, so the VAT portion is R15. A shortcut is inclusive × 15 ÷ 115.
Yes. 'Reverse VAT' and 'remove VAT' both mean working backwards from a VAT-inclusive amount to find the VAT portion and the price excluding VAT. Choose the 'includes VAT' option in the calculator to do this.
Only businesses registered for VAT with SARS charge VAT and issue tax invoices. Registration is compulsory once your taxable turnover passes the SARS threshold, and voluntary registration is possible below it. VAT-registered businesses can also claim back the input VAT they pay on business purchases.
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