VAT calculator: add or remove 15% VAT
Quickly add VAT to a quote or strip it out of a receipt. South Africa's standard VAT rate is 15%.
Your details
Amount including VAT
R1 150.00
- VAT
- R150.00
How we worked it out
- Amount excluding VATR1 000.00
- VAT at 15%R150.00
Amount × 15%
- Amount including VATR1 150.00
VAT formulas
- Add VAT: amount × 1.15
- VAT in an inclusive price: amount × 15 ÷ 115
- Remove VAT: amount ÷ 1.15
A common mistake is to remove VAT by taking 15% off the inclusive price. That gives the wrong answer: 15% of R115 is R17.25, but the VAT inside R115 is only R15.
Registration thresholds from 1 April 2026
Budget 2026 raised the compulsory VAT registration threshold from R1 million to R2 300 000, and the voluntary threshold from R50 000 to R120 000. Businesses that now fall below the compulsory threshold may apply to deregister.
Frequently asked questions
How do I remove VAT from a price?
Divide the VAT-inclusive amount by 1.15 to get the amount excluding VAT. The VAT portion is the inclusive amount × 15 ÷ 115. For example, R115 includes R15 VAT.
How do I add VAT?
Multiply the amount excluding VAT by 1.15. R1 000 excluding VAT is R1 150 including VAT.
When must my business register for VAT?
From 1 April 2026, registration is compulsory once taxable supplies exceed R2 300 000 in any 12-month period, or are likely to. You may register voluntarily above R120 000. SARS applies the new thresholds while the amending law is finalised.
Is VAT charged on everything?
No. Some goods are zero-rated (for example certain basic foods) and some services are exempt (for example residential rent and many financial services). Check SARS guidance for your product.