RUV CalculatorSouth Africa VAT Calculatorhttps://calc.ruvlabs.com/c/vat-calculator/south-africa
South Africa VAT Calculator
40 countries, both directions
Tax amount
Before tax
Including tax
120 ZAR
Advanced options
Breakdown
Rate applied
Standard rate there
Called locally
Tax amount
Country applied
A single 15% rate. An increase proposed in 2025 was withdrawn, leaving it at 15%. Basic foods listed in the VAT Act, such as brown bread, maize meal, rice, eggs and fresh fruit and vegetables, are zero-rated.
ZAR 15.65 of it is tax, leaving ZAR 104.35 before tax.
VAT rates in South Africa for 2026
South Africa charges VAT at a standard rate of 15%. There is no reduced rate. Amounts on this page are in South African Rand (ZAR).
A single 15% rate. An increase proposed in 2025 was withdrawn, leaving it at 15%. Basic foods listed in the VAT Act, such as brown bread, maize meal, rice, eggs and fresh fruit and vegetables, are zero-rated.
Rate
Type
Gross = net ×
Tax share of the gross price
15%
standard
1.15
13.04%
How much VAT is inside a price
If a price already includes VAT, divide by 1 plus the rate: at 15%, ZAR 1,800 ÷ 1.15 = ZAR 1,565.22 before tax, so ZAR 234.78 is tax.
Rate
Tax in ZAR 1,800
Net of ZAR 1,800
Tax in ZAR 18,000
Net of ZAR 18,000
15%
ZAR 234.78
ZAR 1,565.22
ZAR 2,347.83
ZAR 15,652.17
Adding VAT to a net amount
For a quote or invoice, multiply the net amount by 1 plus the rate: at 15%, ZAR 18,000 × 1.15 = ZAR 20,700.
Rate
Tax on ZAR 1,800
ZAR 1,800 plus tax
Tax on ZAR 18,000
ZAR 18,000 plus tax
15%
ZAR 270
ZAR 2,070
ZAR 2,700
ZAR 20,700
How South Africa's standard rate compares
South Africa's 15% standard rate compares with a median of 18%: 21 of the 39 countries in this calculator's table charge more, 15 less.
Saudi Arabia and New Zealand also charge 15% as standard.
This is a reference calculation using common tax assumptions and is not a substitute for professional advice. We accept no liability for decisions made from it — see the terms of use for details.