i What this calculator does
Adds South African VAT to a price or strips it out of a VAT-inclusive amount, and shows the VAT portion on its own. The standard rate has been 15% since 1 April 2018; the calculator lets you change it for zero-rated supplies or for quoting a foreign customer.
Removing VAT is the step people get wrong: a VAT-inclusive R1,150 contains R150 of VAT, not R172.50, because the 15% was charged on the R1,000 exclusive price. The calculator divides by 1.15 instead of subtracting 15%, which is the correct method and the one SARS expects on a tax invoice.
This calculator applies the standard 15% rate to the amount entered. It does not determine whether a supply is standard-rated, zero-rated or exempt; check the SARS VAT guide for your product or service.
See also: Dividend Withholding Tax Calculator and Estate Duty Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I remove VAT from a price in South Africa?
Divide the VAT-inclusive amount by 1.15. For example, R2,300 inclusive ÷ 1.15 = R2,000 exclusive, and the VAT is the R300 difference. Subtracting 15% from the inclusive amount gives the wrong answer.
What is the VAT rate in South Africa in 2026?
15%. It was raised from 14% on 1 April 2018 and has not changed since. A proposed increase in the 2025 budget was withdrawn.
When must a business register for VAT?
Registration is compulsory once taxable turnover exceeds R2,300,000 in any 12-month period under the 2026/27 rules, up from R1,000,000. Voluntary registration is possible above R120,000 of turnover.
Which goods are zero-rated?
Exports and a list of basic foodstuffs such as brown bread, maize meal, rice, milk, eggs and vegetables, plus fuel. Zero-rated means VAT is charged at 0% and the vendor can still claim input VAT on costs.
Is VAT charged on trading or investment income?
No. Financial services, including brokerage on share and forex trades, are exempt from VAT, and dividends, interest and capital gains are outside the VAT system entirely.
Does this calculator handle a 15.5% or other rate?
Yes, change the rate field. South Africa only has one standard rate, but the calculator works for any percentage if you are quoting for another country.
Want to embed this calculator on your site?
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Free to use on your own site. Copy the code below and paste it where you want the calculator to appear.
<iframe src="https://www.tradeanswers.co.za/embed/vat-calculator.html"
width="100%" height="560" style="border:0;max-width:520px"
title="VAT Calculator - TradeAnswers" loading="lazy"></iframe>
<p><a href="https://www.tradeanswers.co.za/vat-calculator.html">VAT Calculator</a> by <a href="https://www.tradeanswers.co.za/">TradeAnswers</a></p>