Standard 15% · Zero-rated 19 basic food items · no other reduced rates
South Africa's VAT rate is 15% (raised from 14% in April 2018). The standard rate applies to most goods and services. A limited list of 19 basic food items are zero-rated, including brown bread, maize meal, rice, vegetables, fruit, milk, and eggs.
Quick answer
Add VAT to a net price or remove VAT from a gross total below. Use the editable rate field for reduced rates, special categories, or invoice checks.
Calculator
Change this anytime — no extra click. Verify final rates with your state or country tax authority.
Quick amounts
Educational tool only — not tax advice. Confirm rates before filing or pricing for customers.
All South Africa VAT rates
Type any rate directly in the rate field above to switch rates.
How to use and formula
Enter the amount, use the standard 15% rate or type a reduced rate, then choose whether you want to add VAT to a net price or remove VAT from a gross total.
Gross = net x (1 + rate / 100)
Net = gross / (1 + rate / 100)
VAT amount = gross - net
Example at 15%: R100 net becomes R115.00 gross.
Fast checks for adding or removing VAT at the most common rates.
R115.00 gross
R100.00 x 15% = R15.00 VAT.
R100.00 net
R115.00 ÷ 1.15 = R100.00 before VAT.
Rates and rules on this page were last reviewed in January 2026 against https://www.sars.gov.za. Use the linked authority for filing, registrations, or address-specific compliance.
South Africa has a 15% VAT rate on most goods and services. A restricted list of 19 basic food items are zero-rated to protect lower-income households — including brown bread, rice, maize meal, milk, eggs, fruit, and vegetables. The VAT system is administered by SARS (South African Revenue Service).
South Africa may have reduced, zero-rated, or exempt supplies. Match the product category before applying the standard rate.
To extract VAT, divide by 1 + rate/100 — do not subtract 15% from the total.
South Africa's VAT rate is 15%. The 15% rate applies to most goods. A limited list of 19 basic food items are zero-rated.
Divide by 1.15. R115 ÷ 1.15 = R100 net. The VAT element is R15.
Use this page to add VAT, remove VAT, or check invoice math for South Africa. For filing, registration, refunds, or special categories, confirm the current rule with the official source because reduced rates and exemptions can change.