VAT calculator (South Africa, 15%)
Add VAT to a price or work out the VAT included in an amount. Handy for invoices, quotes and claiming input VAT.
How to calculate VAT in South Africa
Adding VAT: multiply the excl. VAT price by 1.15. R1 000 excl. VAT becomes R1 150 incl. VAT, so the VAT is R150.
Removing VAT: divide the VAT-inclusive price by 1.15. To find just the VAT portion, multiply the inclusive price by 15/115 (about 0.1304). R1 150 incl. VAT contains R150 VAT.
A common mistake is to take 15% off the inclusive price. That gives R172.50 on R1 150, which is too much. Use 15/115 instead.
Worked example: a R8 500 quote
A plumber quotes R8 500 excluding VAT. The VAT is R8 500 × 15% = R1 275, so you pay R9 775.
Working backwards from the invoice total: R9 775 ÷ 1.15 = R8 500 excl. VAT, and R9 775 × 15 ÷ 115 = R1 275 VAT.
Frequently asked questions
What is the VAT rate in South Africa?
The standard VAT rate is 15%. Some items, like brown bread, maize meal, fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs and milk, are zero-rated.
When must a business register for VAT?
Registration is compulsory once taxable turnover is more than the compulsory threshold in any 12-month period. Budget 2026 proposed raising it from R1 million to R2.3 million. Check SARS for the current figure. Businesses below the threshold can usually register voluntarily.
How do I get the VAT amount from a total?
Multiply the total by 15 and divide by 115. For example, R575 × 15 ÷ 115 = R75 VAT.
Do I pay VAT or transfer duty on a new home?
If you buy a new home from a VAT-registered developer, VAT is already included in the price and no transfer duty is payable. Most resales from private sellers attract transfer duty instead. See the transfer duty calculator.