Free tool
VAT calculator for South Africa
Add 15% VAT to a price, or find the VAT inside a price that already includes it.
How the VAT calculation works
South Africa's standard VAT rate is 15%.
Adding VAT: amount excluding VAT × 1.15 = amount including VAT. R1,000 becomes R1,150, and the VAT is R150.
Removing VAT: amount including VAT ÷ 1.15 = amount excluding VAT. The VAT is the inclusive amount × 15 ÷ 115. R1,150 contains R150 VAT.
A common mistake is taking 15% off a VAT-inclusive total. On R1,150 that gives R977.50 instead of R1,000, because the 15% was worked out on the smaller amount.
This calculator rounds to the nearest cent. Some items are zero-rated or exempt from VAT, so check with SARS or your accountant if you are not sure whether VAT applies.
VAT questions
What is the VAT rate in South Africa?
The standard VAT rate in South Africa is 15%. It has been 15% since 1 April 2018, and the increases proposed in the 2025 Budget were withdrawn.
How do I add VAT to a price?
Multiply the amount excluding VAT by 1.15. For example, R1,000 excluding VAT is R1,150 including VAT, and the VAT is R150.
How do I remove VAT from a price?
Divide the VAT-inclusive amount by 1.15 to get the amount excluding VAT. To get only the VAT, multiply the inclusive amount by 15 and divide by 115. For example, R1,150 including VAT contains R150 VAT.
Why not just take 15% off the total?
Because the 15% was added to the price before VAT, not to the total. Taking 15% off R1,150 gives R977.50, which is wrong. The correct amount excluding VAT is R1,000.