How to add or remove VAT in South Africa
- The South Africa standard rate of 15% is already selected.
- Choose Add tax and enter a price excluding VAT to get the VAT and the gross price, or Remove tax and enter a price including VAT to split it into net and VAT.
- For goods at a reduced rate, type that rate in the rate box. Paste a list of prices, one per line, to convert them all at once.
VAT rates in South Africa
| Rate | Applies to (examples) |
|---|---|
| 15% | Standard rate: most goods and services |
| 0% | zero-rated basic foods such as brown bread, maize meal, rice, fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs and milk, plus exports |
In South Africa the tax is called VAT. To add 15%, multiply the net price by 1.15: R100.00 becomes R115.00. To remove it, divide the gross price by 1.15: R100.00 including VAT is R86.96 net plus R13.04 VAT. A common mistake is to take 15% off the gross price, which removes too much; the VAT share of a gross price is 3/23, or 13.04%.
A proposed increase to 15.5% in the 2025 budget was withdrawn, so the rate remains 15%. Businesses must register for VAT when taxable turnover exceeds R1 million in a 12-month period.
Standard and reduced rates checked on 20 October 2026 against SARS (the South African Revenue Service). Rates can change with each budget; the rate box is editable if a change takes effect.
FAQ
How do I remove VAT in South Africa?
Divide the VAT-inclusive amount by 1.15. The VAT is 15/115 (13.04%) of the inclusive amount.
How do I remove VAT from a price in South Africa?
Divide the price including VAT by 1.15. For example, R115.00 ÷ 1.15 = R100.00 net, so the VAT is R15.00.
Does the calculator save my rate?
Yes, the last rate and country you used are remembered in this browser. Nothing is uploaded.