Add VAT
VAT = excl × 15 ÷ 100incl = excl + VAT
Example: R100.00 × 0.15 = R15.00 VAT, so R115.00 incl.
Odd cents: R999.99 × 0.15 = R149.9985, rounded to R150.00, so R1 149.99 incl.
SA VAT Calculator
Add or remove South African VAT and see the VAT amount in Rand, instantly. Default rate: 15%, the SARS standard rate.
Result
Enter an amount to see the result.
- Excl. VAT
- VAT (15%)
- Incl. VAT
Rounded to the nearest cent, half a cent rounds up, per line. Copy gives a plain number, e.g. 1149.99.
Line items / bulk mode
Enter several amounts. They use the same mode and rate as the calculator above. Each line is rounded to the cent and the totals add up the rounded lines.
| Line | Amount excl. VAT (R) | Excl. | VAT | Incl. | Remove |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
VAT rate verified on SARS: Value-Added Tax (opens in new tab) on . Not tax advice.
How to use
- Choose whether your amount is excluding VAT (you want to add VAT) or including VAT (you want to take VAT out).
- Type the amount in Rand. The result updates as you type.
- Leave the rate at 15% for the SARS standard rate, or type a custom rate. Use 0 for zero-rated supplies.
- Use the Copy buttons to copy the excl., VAT or incl. figure, and Clear to start again.
- Need several figures? Open Line items / bulk mode.
VAT formulas with worked examples
At the standard rate of 15%, SARS works out the VAT inside an inclusive amount with the tax fraction 15/115 (SARS VAT 404 Guide for Vendors (opens in new tab)).
Remove VAT
VAT = incl × 15 ÷ 115excl = incl − VAT
Example: R115.00 × 15/115 = R15.00 VAT, so R100.00 excl.
Odd cents: R999.99 ÷ 1.15 = R869.5565…, rounded to R869.56 excl., so VAT is R130.43.
Rounding rule
Each line is rounded to the nearest cent and half a cent rounds up (R0.005 becomes R0.01). When removing VAT, the excl. amount is rounded and VAT is the difference, so the parts always add up to your total.
Your accounting system may round differently. Always check against your tax invoices.
Frequently asked questions
What is the VAT rate in South Africa?
SARS states that VAT is levied at the standard rate of 15% on the supply of goods and services by registered vendors. Increases to 15.5% (from 1 May 2025) and 16% (from 1 April 2026) were announced in the March 2025 Budget but were reversed, so the rate remains 15%. The standard rate has been 15% since 1 April 2018, when it increased from 14%.
Sources: SARS: Value-Added Tax (opens in new tab); 1 April 2018 change: SARS VAT 404 Guide for Vendors (opens in new tab). Checked 10 October 2026.
What is the difference between zero-rated and exempt supplies?
Zero-rated supplies are taxable supplies charged at 0%. Because they are taxable, a vendor making them can still deduct input tax on costs incurred to make them. Examples include certain basic foodstuffs and, under certain circumstances, exports.
Exempt supplies are not taxable: no VAT is charged, and VAT on costs used to make them cannot be deducted. Making only exempt supplies does not count as carrying on an "enterprise", so you cannot register for VAT for them. Examples include financial services, residential accommodation and public transport.
Sources: SARS: Value-Added Tax (opens in new tab), SARS: Register for VAT (opens in new tab), VAT 404 Guide for Vendors (opens in new tab), checked 10 October 2026.
When must a business register for VAT?
Registration is compulsory when the value of taxable supplies in any consecutive 12-month period exceeds, or is likely to exceed, R2.3 million. The application must be made within 21 business days of the date the threshold is or will be exceeded.
Voluntary registration is possible, under certain circumstances, where taxable supplies have exceeded R120 000 in the past 12 months.
These thresholds apply from 1 April 2026 (previously R1 million and R50 000). SARS notes it is administering new applications on the increased thresholds while the legislation is finalised.
Sources: SARS: Register for VAT (opens in new tab), SARS: Budget 2026 FAQs (opens in new tab), checked 10 October 2026.
How do I work out the VAT in a VAT-inclusive price?
Multiply the VAT-inclusive amount by the tax fraction 15/115. For example, R115.00 × 15/115 = R15.00 VAT, leaving R100.00 excluding VAT. Choose "Incl. VAT" above to do this automatically.
Source: SARS VAT 404 Guide for Vendors (opens in new tab), checked 10 October 2026.
How does this calculator round?
Amounts are worked out exactly and rounded to the nearest cent, with half a cent rounded up, once per line. When removing VAT, the VAT-exclusive amount is rounded and the VAT is the difference, so the parts always add up to the total you entered. In line-item mode each line is rounded on its own and the totals are the sums of the rounded lines.
Is my data sent anywhere?
No. All calculations run in your browser. This site uses no cookies, analytics, ads or third-party scripts.