SA vs UK VAT calculator
Add or remove VAT on one amount and see South Africa's 15% and the UK's 20% side by side.
Results
Enter an amount to compare.
South Africa (15%)
- Excl. VAT
- VAT
- Incl. VAT
United Kingdom (20%)
- Excl. VAT
- VAT
- Incl. VAT
Rounded to the nearest cent or penny, half up, per line. Copy gives a plain number.
Rates verified on : SA 15% from SARS: Value-Added Tax (opens in new tab); UK 20% from GOV.UK: VAT rates (opens in new tab). Reviewed by Word2Mouse. General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check SARS/HMRC or a registered tax practitioner.
SA and UK VAT at a glance
| South Africa | United Kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | 15% (since 1 April 2018) | 20% (since 4 January 2011, up from 17.5%) |
| Other rates | Zero rate (0%) for certain supplies | Reduced rate 5% and zero rate 0% for some goods and services |
| Exempt examples | Financial services, residential accommodation, public transport | Postage stamps, financial and property transactions |
| Compulsory registration | Taxable supplies over R2.3 million in any consecutive 12 months (from 1 April 2026) | Taxable turnover over £90,000 in the last 12 months, or expected to go over £90,000 in the next 30 days |
| Voluntary registration | Possible above R120 000 in the past 12 months, under certain circumstances | Possible below £90,000 |
| Tax fraction (VAT inside an inclusive price) | 15/115 | 20/120 (one sixth) |
Sources: SARS: Value-Added Tax (opens in new tab); SARS: Register for VAT (opens in new tab); SARS VAT 404 Guide for Vendors (opens in new tab); GOV.UK: VAT rates (opens in new tab); GOV.UK: Register for VAT, when to register (opens in new tab). All checked 10 October 2026.
How to use
- Choose whether your amount excludes VAT (add VAT) or includes VAT (remove VAT).
- Type the amount. Both columns update as you type.
- Copy any figure with its Copy button, or Clear to start again.
Need only South African VAT, a custom rate or line items? Use the main SA VAT Calculator.
Formulas with worked examples
Adding VAT
SA: VAT = amount × 0.15. UK: VAT = amount × 0.20. For example, on 999.99 the UK VAT is £200.00 (199.998 rounded), giving £1 199.99.
Removing VAT
SA: VAT = amount × 15 ÷ 115. UK: VAT = amount × 20 ÷ 120. On 100.00 including VAT, SA VAT is R13.04 (excl. R86.96) and UK VAT is £16.67 (excl. £83.33).
| Excl. VAT | SA VAT | SA incl. | UK VAT | UK incl. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | R15.00 | R115.00 | £20.00 | £120.00 |
| 1000 | R150.00 | R1 150.00 | £200.00 | £1 200.00 |
| 10000 | R1 500.00 | R11 500.00 | £2 000.00 | £12 000.00 |
| Incl. VAT | SA excl. | SA VAT | UK excl. | UK VAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | R86.96 | R13.04 | £83.33 | £16.67 |
| 1000 | R869.57 | R130.43 | £833.33 | £166.67 |
| 10000 | R8 695.65 | R1 304.35 | £8 333.33 | £1 666.67 |
More on the South African side: reverse VAT calculation, SA registration thresholds and zero-rated vs exempt supplies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard VAT rate in South Africa and in the UK?
South Africa's standard VAT rate is 15% (SARS) and the UK's standard VAT rate is 20% (GOV.UK). Both were checked on 10 October 2026.
Does this calculator convert Rand to pounds?
No. It applies each country's VAT rate to the same number, shown as Rand for South Africa and pounds for the UK. It does not use exchange rates.
How do I remove UK VAT from a price?
Divide the VAT-inclusive price by 1.2, or multiply it by 20/120 (one sixth) to get the VAT. For example, £120.00 including VAT is £100.00 plus £20.00 VAT.
What are the VAT registration thresholds in South Africa and the UK?
In South Africa, registration is compulsory when taxable supplies exceed R2.3 million in any consecutive 12 months (from 1 April 2026). In the UK, you must register if taxable turnover for the last 12 months goes over £90,000, or you expect it to go over £90,000 in the next 30 days.
General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check SARS/HMRC or a registered tax practitioner. Last reviewed 10 October 2026 by Word2Mouse.