---

Calculate South African VAT in Seconds with this Free Online Calculator

Effortlessly add or remove Value-Added Tax (VAT) from any amount with our South African VAT Calculator, trusted by businesses and individuals across the country. Get instant results for VAT-inclusive and VAT-exclusive (reverse VAT calculation) amounts using the current 15% VAT rate. Whether you're a small business owner, freelancer, accountant, or just someone needing to work out VAT on an invoice or quote, this free VAT calculator is simple, fast and accurate.

Understanding VAT

VAT (Value Added Tax) is an indirect tax applied on all goods and services. VAT in South Africa is currently set at 15%, having increased from 14% in April 2018, and is applicable to most transactions unless otherwise exempt. All VAT-registered businesses must charge VAT on taxable supplies and can claim VAT on business purchases.

---

---

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.

For more information on the Maths behind the calculator, check this article on how VAT calculations work

---

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?

For a more in depth answer you can check this deep dive on how to calculate VAT. But 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. More information on VAT exempt items is available here

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.

---