Add or remove VAT at South Africa's standard rate of 15%. Pre-set to ZAR — switch modes to work forwards from a net price or backwards from a VAT-inclusive total.
R500.00 × 1.15 = R575.00
Adding 15% VAT to a pair of trainers priced at R500.00 (net) gives R575.00 gross — that's R75.00 of VAT.
R180.00 ÷ 1.15 = R156.52
Removing 15% VAT from a braai spread marked R180.00 (gross) leaves R156.52 net — the VAT portion is R23.48.
| Rate | Applies to |
|---|---|
| 15% standard | Most goods and services |
| 0% | Zero-rated basic foods (brown bread, maize meal, rice), paraffin, fuel |
Businesses in South Africa generally must register for VAT once taxable turnover reaches R1,000,000 turnover (mandatory); R50,000 voluntary. VAT registration and returns are administered by South African Revenue Service (SARS).
The standard VAT rate in South Africa is 15%. Reduced rates of 0% apply to items such as zero-rated basic foods (brown bread, maize meal, rice), paraffin, fuel. (Rates as of 2026-07-13.)
Divide the VAT-inclusive price by 1.15 (that is, 1 + 15%). Removing 15% VAT from a braai spread marked R180.00 (gross) leaves R156.52 net — the VAT portion is R23.48.
Multiply the net price by 1.15. Adding 15% VAT to a pair of trainers priced at R500.00 (net) gives R575.00 gross — that's R75.00 of VAT.
You must register for VAT in South Africa once your taxable turnover reaches R1,000,000 turnover (mandatory); R50,000 voluntary. Registration is handled by South African Revenue Service (SARS).
Rates and thresholds shown as of 2026-07-13. Tax rules change — confirm current figures with South African Revenue Service (SARS) before relying on them.