VAT / GST Calculator

Calculate VAT for South Africa (15%) or GST and sales tax for over 30 countries. Enter your amount and instantly see the VAT-inclusive price, VAT-exclusive price, and VAT amount. Popular in South Africa for invoicing, quoting, and expense calculations — enter a net amount to add 15% VAT, or enter a gross amount to remove VAT and see the original price. The tool auto-detects your region from your location, so South African users see the 15% rate by default. Also supports the UK (20%), EU member states, Australia (10% GST), India (18% GST), Canada (5% GST), Japan (10%), and more.

How it works: To add VAT to a price, enter the net amount and select your country — the tool multiplies by (1 + rate) and shows the gross price and VAT amount. To remove VAT from a price, switch to "Remove" mode and enter the gross amount — the tool divides by (1 + rate) to give you the net price.

Useful for freelancers invoicing international clients, small business owners quoting prices, importers calculating landed costs, and anyone working with cross-border transactions.

**Understanding VAT in South Africa**

Value-Added Tax (VAT) in South Africa is administered by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and is currently set at a standard rate of 15%. This rate has been in effect since 1 April 2018, when it increased from the previous 14%. VAT is levied on the supply of goods and services by registered vendors, and businesses with a taxable turnover exceeding R1 million in a 12-month period are required to register for VAT. Voluntary registration is available for businesses with turnover above R50,000. Once registered, a vendor must charge VAT on all taxable supplies, file VAT201 returns bi-monthly, and pay any net VAT liability to SARS.

**VAT Formulas Explained**

Adding VAT to a net amount: Gross = Net × (1 + VAT rate ÷ 100). For example, if you have a net price of R1,000 and need to add 15% South African VAT, the calculation is R1,000 × 1.15 = R1,150. The VAT component is R150.

Removing VAT from a gross amount: Net = Gross ÷ (1 + VAT rate ÷ 100). For example, if you received R1,150 inclusive of 15% VAT, the net amount is R1,150 ÷ 1.15 = R1,000. The VAT component is R150.

Calculating the VAT portion from a gross amount: VAT = Gross − (Gross ÷ (1 + VAT rate ÷ 100)). Alternatively, VAT = Gross × (VAT rate ÷ (100 + VAT rate)). For 15% VAT on a R1,150 gross amount: R1,150 × (15 ÷ 115) = R150.

**Zero-Rated and Exempt Supplies in South Africa**

Not all goods and services attract the standard 15% VAT rate. South Africa has a number of zero-rated supplies (0% VAT) including basic food items such as brown bread, maize meal, rice, dried mealie kernels, dried beans, lentils, tinned sardines, milk powder, dairy blend, vegetables, fruit, milk, and eggs. Exports of goods and certain services are also zero-rated, meaning South African businesses selling to international customers charge 0% VAT on those sales. Certain services are VAT-exempt altogether, including financial services, educational services, and residential rental income. This calculator uses the standard rate applicable to most transactions. If you deal with zero-rated or exempt items, consult your accountant or SARS for the correct treatment.

**Real-World Scenarios**

For a South African freelancer billing a local client R25,000 for consulting services, adding 15% VAT brings the invoice total to R28,750. The freelancer collects the R3,750 VAT from the client and remits it to SARS on their VAT201 return, minus any input VAT they can claim on business expenses.

A small retail business purchasing stock at R50,000 (inclusive of VAT) can claim back the input VAT of approximately R6,521.75 (calculated as R50,000 − R50,000 ÷ 1.15), reducing the effective cost of goods to R43,478.25. This input VAT is offset against the output VAT charged on sales.

An importer bringing goods worth R200,000 into South Africa will pay 15% VAT at customs (R30,000) along with any applicable customs duties. This VAT can be claimed as input VAT if the business is registered.

**Tips for South African Businesses**

Always display VAT-inclusive prices for retail customers — it is a legal requirement under the VAT Act. For business-to-business transactions, you may show VAT-exclusive prices with the VAT amount stated separately. Keep accurate records of all VAT invoiced (output VAT) and VAT paid on purchases (input VAT), as you will need these figures for your bi-monthly VAT201 return to SARS. Ensure your tax invoices comply with SARS requirements — they must include your VAT registration number, the words "tax invoice", the seller and buyer details, and a breakdown of the VAT charged.

All calculations run entirely in your browser — your amounts are never sent to any server.