What is the VAT rate in South Africa in 2026?

The standard VAT rate in South Africa is 15%, which has been in effect since 1 April 2018. Most goods and services are subject to this rate, though some items like basic foodstuffs and exported goods are zero-rated.

How do I add VAT to a price in South Africa?

To add 15% VAT to a price, multiply the amount by 1.15. For example, R100 × 1.15 = R115. The R15 is the VAT component.

Which foods are VAT-exempt in South Africa?

Basic foodstuffs are zero-rated for VAT in South Africa, meaning they carry 0% VAT. These include brown bread, dried beans, lentils, maize meal, rice, fresh fruit and vegetables, vegetable and fruit juices, legumes, eggs, milk, and edible vegetable oils.

When do businesses need to register for VAT in South Africa?

You must register for VAT with SARS if your taxable turnover exceeds R1 million in any consecutive 12-month period. You may also voluntarily register if your turnover exceeds R50,000.

VAT Calculator South Africa 2026 | Add or Remove 15% VAT

Q: How do I remove VAT from a VAT-inclusive price?

To remove VAT from a price that already includes VAT, divide the amount by 1.15. For example, R115 ÷ 1.15 = R100. The VAT amount is R115 − R100 = R15.

Calculate VAT

Enter price excluding VAT (R)

Ex-VAT Amount

R0.00

VAT (15%)

R0.00

VAT-Inclusive Total
R0.00

📌 South Africa VAT rate: 15% (standard rate, unchanged since 1 April 2018)

About VAT in South Africa

What is VAT?

Value-Added Tax (VAT) is an indirect tax charged on the supply of goods and services in South Africa. The current standard VAT rate is 15%, collected by VAT-registered businesses on behalf of SARS and remitted monthly or bi-monthly.

How to calculate VAT manually

// Adding VAT to a price:
VAT-inclusive = Price × 1.15
VAT amount = Price × 0.15

// Removing VAT from an inclusive price:
Ex-VAT price = Inclusive ÷ 1.15
VAT amount = Inclusive − Ex-VAT

Example: A product costs R200 before VAT. VAT = R200 × 15% = R30. Total = R230.

Zero-rated food items (0% VAT)

These basic foods are VAT-free in South Africa:

Brown bread, maize meal, rice
Fresh fruit and vegetables
Dried beans, lentils, legumes
Eggs, milk, edible vegetable oil
Vegetable and fruit juices (100%)

VAT registration thresholds

Compulsory: Taxable turnover exceeds R1 million in 12 months
Voluntary: Turnover exceeds R50,000
Register via SARS eFiling or a SARS branch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VAT rate in South Africa 2026?

The standard VAT rate is 15%, unchanged since 1 April 2018. There is ongoing discussion about changes to the VAT rate, but as of June 2026 it remains 15%.

How do I add 15% VAT to a price?

Multiply the ex-VAT amount by 1.15. E.g. R500 × 1.15 = R575. The R75 is the VAT component.

How do I remove VAT from a VAT-inclusive price?

Divide the inclusive amount by 1.15. E.g. R575 ÷ 1.15 = R500 (ex-VAT). The VAT is R575 − R500 = R75.

Is VAT the same as GST?

VAT and GST (Goods and Services Tax) are similar consumption taxes. South Africa uses the term VAT. The principles are the same — a percentage added to the price of taxable goods and services.

When must I submit a VAT return to SARS?

Most VAT vendors submit returns every two months (bi-monthly). Large businesses with taxable supplies over R30 million submit monthly. Returns are filed via SARS eFiling by the last business day of the month following the tax period.