VAT Returns & Compliance
Stay fully compliant with SARS VAT requirements. We handle your registration, monthly submissions, reconciliations, and any SARS correspondence — so you never miss a deadline.
Our VAT Services
From initial VAT registration to ongoing submissions and audit defence — we cover every aspect of your VAT compliance.
VAT Registration
We handle the full SARS eFiling VAT registration process — from assessing whether you qualify to mandatory or voluntary registration to final approval.
- Voluntary vs mandatory registration advice
- VAT category selection (monthly, bi-monthly, semi-annual)
- SARS eFiling registration submission
- VAT201 access setup
- Registration confirmation follow-up
VAT Return Submissions
We calculate, review, and submit your VAT201 returns on time — covering input and output tax, imports, and zero-rated supplies.
- Output VAT calculation (sales and income)
- Input VAT calculation (purchases and expenses)
- Zero-rated and exempt supply handling
- VAT201 preparation and submission
- SARS payment / refund monitoring
VAT Reconciliation
Monthly reconciliation of your VAT control account to ensure your books match your SARS submissions — preventing costly discrepancies at audit.
- VAT control account reconciliation
- Invoice matching and exception reporting
- Correction of prior period errors
- VAT audit trail documentation
- Integration with bookkeeping records
SARS VAT Correspondence
We manage all SARS correspondence on your behalf — VAT audits, verifications, and assessments — and respond within required timeframes.
- SARS verification request responses
- Audit support and documentation
- Dispute and objection filing
- Refund follow-up and tracking
- Penalty remission applications
VAT Vendor Requirements
Key rules every VAT-registered business must know.
VAT Threshold
You must register for VAT once your taxable turnover exceeds R2,3m in any 12-month period. Voluntary registration is possible from R120000.
Zero-Rated vs Exempt
Zero-rated supplies (e.g., basic food, exports) attract 0% VAT. Exempt supplies (e.g., residential rent, financial services) don't attract VAT and limit input tax claims.
Invoice Requirements
VAT invoices must include your VAT number, buyer's VAT number (if applicable), invoice date, unique invoice number, and itemised supply description with VAT amount.
Late Submission Penalties
SARS imposes a 10% penalty on the net VAT payable for late VAT201 submissions. Interest accrues daily on unpaid VAT. We ensure you never miss a deadline.
What You'll Need
To get started, please have these documents ready:
For VAT Registration
- Company registration documents
- Certified ID copies
- Proof of business bank account
- Proof of business address
- Evidence of taxable supplies (invoices or contracts)
Monthly VAT Return Requirements
- All sales invoices issued for the period
- All supplier/purchase invoices received
- Bank statements for the period
- Import and export documents (if applicable)
- Petty cash and expense receipts
- Prior period VAT201 (for first-time clients)
💡 Pro Tip: Always retain original tax invoices for 5 years — SARS can audit any prior period and will disallow input tax claims without valid documentation. Store both physical and digital copies.
- 1.Submit all invoices and bank statements by the 5th of each month
- 2.We calculate input and output VAT and prepare VAT201 (5th–12th)
- 3.Review call with client to confirm figures
- 4.VAT201 submitted to SARS by 25th of the month
- 5.Payment made or refund tracked
Learn More
Who It's For
- Businesses with taxable turnover above R2,3 million (mandatory)
- Smaller businesses wanting to claim back VAT on expenses (voluntary)
- Exporters and importers dealing with zero-rated supplies
- Businesses receiving SARS VAT queries or audits
- Companies who have never registered but should have
- Any VAT vendor struggling to keep up with submissions
Why It Matters
- SARS imposes a 10% penalty for late VAT201 submissions
- Incorrect VAT claims can result in criminal prosecution in serious cases
- Unregistered vendors who should be registered face back-dated liability
- VAT refunds are a major cash flow tool for businesses with high input tax
- Accurate VAT records are essential for bank financing
- Compliance protects your business reputation and trading relationships
Common Questions
What is the current VAT rate in South Africa?
The standard VAT rate is 15%. Certain supplies are zero-rated (0%) or exempt. We ensure your returns correctly classify all transaction types.
How often do I need to submit VAT returns?
Most businesses submit bi-monthly (every 2 months). High-turnover businesses submit monthly. We determine the correct category when registering.
Can SARS refund VAT I've overpaid?
Yes. If your input VAT exceeds output VAT (common for exporters), SARS issues a refund. We track and follow up on all refunds.
What happens if I missed VAT submissions?
We can file outstanding returns, calculate penalties owed, and apply for penalty remission if there were valid reasons for non-compliance.
What Makes Us Different
- We pre-check all invoices before submission to catch errors
- Dedicated VAT accountant — consistent point of contact
- We monitor SARS eFiling for assessments and queries in real time
- Transparent monthly pricing — no surprises
- Integrated with your monthly bookkeeping for seamless reporting
Stay VAT Compliant — Stress Free
Let us handle your VAT from registration through to submission and beyond.
Ready to Get VAT Compliant?
Get a free consultation. We'll assess your VAT position and recommend the right solution.
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