In plain English
VAT (Value-Added Tax) is a tax added to the price of most goods and services in South Africa. Once your business is registered as a VAT vendor, you add VAT to your invoices, pay it over to SARS and claim back the VAT you paid on business expenses. Registration becomes compulsory once your sales pass a certain level, but some businesses choose to register earlier. SARS is strict about supporting documents, and that's where many applications get stuck.
What's included
What we take care of
Do you need to register?
We look at your turnover and tell you whether registration is compulsory, voluntary or not needed yet.
Compulsory registration
If your sales have passed the SARS threshold, we get you registered without delay.
Voluntary registration
If you're below the threshold but registering makes sense for your business, we handle that too.
Document preparation
We gather and check everything SARS asks for before we submit, to avoid rejections.
SARS verification
If SARS asks for more information or a verification, we handle the back-and-forth.
Getting you ready
Once registered, we explain how to issue valid tax invoices and when your first VAT201 is due.
Is this for you?
You probably need this if…
- Your sales are growing fast and approaching the VAT threshold
- Your bigger clients only want to work with VAT-registered suppliers
- You pay a lot of VAT on business purchases that you can't claim back
- You've started importing goods and paying VAT at customs
- You applied before and got stuck or rejected
How it works
Simple from start to finish
Quick assessment
We look at your turnover and type of business and confirm the best route.
Gather documents
We send you a simple checklist and review everything you send.
We apply
The application is submitted to SARS and we track its progress.
You're registered
You receive your VAT number, and we set up your VAT periods and reminders.
Checklist
What we'll need from you
Don't worry if you don't have everything yet. We'll help you find what's missing.
- ID of the owner(s) or directors
- Company registration documents (for companies)
- Proof of business address
- Bank confirmation letter for the business account
- Recent invoices or contracts showing your sales
- Lease agreement or proof of premises
FAQ
Common questions
When is VAT registration compulsory?
When your taxable sales exceed the SARS compulsory threshold in any 12-month period, or are expected to under a written contract. SARS adjusts these thresholds from time to time, so we'll confirm the current figures for you.
Is it worth registering voluntarily?
Sometimes. It can help if you sell mostly to VAT-registered businesses or have large expenses that carry VAT. It also means more admin and strict deadlines, so we'll weigh up the pros and cons with you.
How long does registration take?
It depends on SARS and whether they ask for a verification. Having complete, correct documents from the start is the biggest thing that speeds it up.