For more information see the VAT Domestic Reverse Charge webpage.
VAT is an abbreviation for the term Value-Added Tax. It is an indirect tax on the consumption of goods and services in the economy. Revenue is raised for government by requiring certain traders (vendors), that carry on an enterprise to register for VAT.
Subject to certain conditions, the vendor must then charge VAT on supplies of goods and services made by it (output tax). VAT is only charged on taxable supplies made. Taxable supplies are supplies for which VAT is charged at either the standard rate (currently 15%) or zero rate (0%). There is a limited range of goods and services which are subject to VAT at the zero rate or exempt from VAT.
The vendor will also be entitled to deduct VAT charged to it (input tax) when incurred for making taxable supplies. Under limited circumstances a vendor may claim a deduction (notional input tax) on a supply made to it by a business that is not registered for VAT.
VAT is non-cumulative, meaning that a credit/deduction is allowed for VAT paid in previous stages, within the production and distribution chain. The vendor is required to pay the difference between the output tax and the input tax or claim a VAT refund where the input tax exceeds the output tax.
VAT is therefore, charged at each stage of the production and distribution process and it is proportional to the price charged for the goods and services. VAT is also payable on the importation of goods and on imported services.
GEN-ELEC-04-G01 – Guide for completing the Value Added Tax VAT201 Declaration – External Guide
GEN-ENR-01-G02 – Guide for Submission of Third Party Data Using the HTTPS Channel – External Guide
LAPD-Gen-G01 – Taxation in South Africa
LAPD-Gen-G02 – Guide for Tax Rates Duties Levies
LAPD-Gen-G08 – Guide on the Taxation of Professional Sports Clubs and Players
LAPD-IT-G19 – Comprehensive Guide to Dividends Tax
LAPD-IT-G21 – Guide on the Taxation of Foreigners working in South Africa
LAPD-IT-G24 – Guide on Mutual Agreement Procedures
LAPD-TAdm-G01 – Short Guide to the Tax Administration Act 2011
LAPD-VAT-G01 – VAT 403 Vendors and Employers Trade Classification Guide
LAPD-VAT-G02 – VAT 404 Guide for Vendors
LAPD-VAT-G03 – VAT 409 Guide for Fixed Property and Construction
LAPD-VAT-G04 – VAT 411 Guide for Entertainment Accommodation and Catering
LAPD-VAT-G05 – VAT 412 Guide for Share Block Schemes
LAPD-VAT-G06 – VAT 413 Guide for Estates
LAPD-VAT-G07 – VAT 414 Guide for Associations not for Gain and Welfare Organisations
LAPD-VAT-G08 – VAT 419 Guide for Municipalities
LAPD-VAT-G09 – VAT 420 Guide for Motor Dealers
LAPD-VAT-G10 – VAT 421 Guide for Short Term Insurance
LAPD-VAT-G11 – VAT Rulings Process Reference Guide
LAPD-VAT-G12 – VAT and PAYE NonExecutive Directors FAQs on BGRs 40 and 41
LAPD-VAT-G13 – Pocket Guide on the VAT rate increase on 1 April 2018
LAPD-VAT-G14 – VAT FAQs Increase in the VAT Rate from 1 April 2018
LAPD-VAT-G15 – VAT Quick Reference Guide for Non-Executive Directors
LAPD-VAT-G16 – VAT FAQs Supplies of electronic services
LAPD-VAT-G17 – VAT Reference Guide for Foreign Donor Funded Projects
SPPOA – Special Power of Attorney – External Form
TPPOA – Special Power of Attorney to Tax Practitioner – External Form
VAT 411 – Guide for Entertainment Accommodation and Catering – External Guide
VAT-ELEC-01-G01 – Manage Value Added Tax on Imported Services – External Guide
VAT-REG-02-G01 – Guide for Completion of VAT Application – External Guide
VAT-REG-02-G02 – Foreign Suppliers of Electronic Services – External Guide
VAT101 – Value Added Tax Registration Application – External form
VAT101D – Application for Registration of Diesel Refund – External Form
VAT102 – Application for separate registration VAT – External form
VAT102D – Application for Registration of Diesel Refund – External Form
VAT117 – Application for Change in Accounting Basis – External Form
VAT119i – Indemnity iro VAT Act Bank Details – External Form
VAT121 – Application for Category E – External Form
VAT123D – Application for the Cancellation of Diesel Registration of a Person – External Form
VAT123T – Application for Cancellation of a Separately Registered Enterprise – External Form
VAT125 – Declaration by Representative Vendor – External Form
VAT128 – Confirmation of Partnership – External Form
VAT201 – Vendor Declaration – Sticky Notes
VAT202e – Notice of Change of Tax Period iro the Submission of a Return VAT 201 – External Form
VAT215 – Record in respect of Imported Services – External Form
VAT216 – Return iro Goods Sold for Settlement of Debt of Holder of the Goods – External Form
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