⭐ SARS VAT Registration Experts
VAT Registration in South Africa
Register your business for VAT with SARS.
- Compulsory: if your taxable supplies exceed R2.3 million in any consecutive 12-month period (up from R1 million on 1 April 2026), or if you’re contractually bound to exceed it. You must apply within 21 business days of exceeding it.
- Voluntary: allowed once taxable supplies exceed R120,000 in the past 12 months (up from R50,000). Below that you generally can’t register unless you meet specific SARS criteria.
📋 SARS eFiling Registration | ⏱️ 5–10 Business Days | 🔢 VAT Number & Certificate
💰 VAT Registration R1,490 | ⏱️ 5–10 Business Days | ✅ 100% Compliance Guaranteed
Why Register for VAT?
VAT registration in South Africa offers significant benefits for growing businesses.
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Legal Compliance
VAT registration is mandatory when your annual turnover exceeds R1 million. As a result, registering ensures your business complies with SARS requirements and avoids penalties for non-compliance.
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Claim Input VAT
Recover VAT paid on business purchases and expenses. Furthermore, input VAT claims can significantly reduce your overall operating costs, improving your bottom line.
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Business Credibility
VAT registration signals an established, legitimate business. Consequently, clients and suppliers perceive your business as professional and trustworthy when dealing with a VAT vendor.
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B2B Transactions
Many businesses prefer VAT-registered suppliers because they can claim input VAT on purchases. Therefore, being VAT registered opens doors to larger corporate and government clients.
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Tender Requirements
Some government and corporate tenders require VAT registration as a prerequisite. In addition, a valid VAT number demonstrates your business meets minimum compliance standards for large contracts.
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Cash Flow Benefits
When your input VAT exceeds output VAT, you can claim a refund from SARS. Indeed, this is particularly beneficial for businesses with significant start-up costs or capital expenditure.
Get your business VAT registered with SARS — fast and hassle-free.
Understanding VAT Registration in South Africa
Value Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax levied at 15% on most goods and services in South Africa. VAT registration South Africa is administered by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and is governed by the VAT Act (Act 89 of 1991).
When you must / can register
- Compulsory: if your taxable supplies exceed R2.3 million in any consecutive 12-month period (up from R1 million on 1 April 2026), or if you’re contractually bound to exceed it. You must apply within 21 business days of exceeding it.
- Voluntary: allowed once taxable supplies exceed R120,000 in the past 12 months (up from R50,000). Below that you generally can’t register unless you meet specific SARS criteria.
At Bekin Consulting, we handle the complete VAT registration process — from preparing your application to registering on SARS eFiling. Furthermore, we set up your filing period and ensure your eFiling profile is configured correctly for ongoing VAT compliance.
How VAT Registration Works in 3 Steps
We handle your entire VAT registration with SARS.
1
Submit Your Documents
Firstly, provide your company registration documents, proof of business address, banking details, and proof of trading income for the SARS application.
2
We Register with SARS
Next, we complete and submit your VAT application to SARS via eFiling, select your filing period, and configure your eFiling profile for VAT returns.
3
Receive Your VAT Number
Finally, you receive your official VAT registration number, certificate from SARS, and your eFiling profile is ready for filing VAT returns.
What’s Included in Your VAT Registration
Complete SARS VAT registration service — all for R1,490.
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SARS Registration
Complete VAT registration on SARS eFiling, including application preparation and submission on your behalf.
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VAT Number
Your unique VAT registration number for invoicing, tax compliance, and all business transactions requiring a VAT number.
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VAT Certificate
Official SARS VAT registration certificate confirming your business is a registered VAT vendor.
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Filing Period Selection
Monthly (Category A) or bi-monthly (Category B) VAT return filing period selection based on your business turnover.
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eFiling Setup
VAT return filing configured on your SARS eFiling profile, ready for you to submit returns electronically.
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Free Expert Consultation
Guidance on VAT compliance, input/output VAT, invoicing requirements, and ongoing VAT return filing obligations.
What You Need for VAT Registration
Have these documents ready for your SARS VAT application:
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Company Registration
CIPC registration certificate (COR 14.3 or COR 15.1A) confirming your company is registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission.
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Director ID Documents
Certified copies of ID documents for all company directors, certified within the last 3 months.
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Proof of Business Address
Business address proof such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or municipal account not older than 3 months.
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Bank Statement
Latest business bank statement (not older than 3 months) confirming business banking details for SARS verification.
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Proof of Trading Income
Invoices with corresponding bank statements showing taxable supplies. This is required to demonstrate that your business is actively trading.
💡 VAT Thresholds & Rates
✅ Mandatory: R2.3 million+ annual turnover
✅ Voluntary: R120,000+ annual turnover
✅ VAT rate: 15%
✅ Returns: MBi-monthly (Category A or B) or monthly (Category C) VAT return filing period, based on your business turnover.
✅ Zero-rated and exempt supplies exist
Understanding Input and Output VAT
Once registered for VAT, you need to understand the difference between output VAT and input VAT. Output VAT is the VAT you charge your customers on taxable goods and services. Input VAT is the VAT you pay when purchasing goods and services for your business.
Each VAT period, you calculate the difference between output and input VAT. If output exceeds input, you pay the difference to SARS. However, if input exceeds output, SARS refunds the difference to you. Consequently, keeping accurate records of all invoices is essential for claiming maximum input VAT.
Furthermore, your invoices must comply with SARS requirements for tax invoices. A valid tax invoice must include your VAT number, the words “Tax Invoice”, supplier and recipient details, a description of goods or services, and the VAT amount charged. At Bekin Consulting, we guide you through all invoicing and compliance requirements after registration.
VAT Registration — Nationwide Service
Bekin Consulting provides professional VAT registration services across all provinces. Whether you are based in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, or any other city, we handle the entire SARS registration process remotely via eFiling.
Indeed, VAT registration South Africa is done entirely through SARS eFiling, which means we can register your business regardless of your location. We prepare the application, upload the required documents, and follow up with SARS until your VAT number is issued.
In addition, many of our clients also require PAYE and UIF registration for employees, company registration with CIPC, or income tax registration with SARS. Consequently, we often handle multiple registrations together, saving you time and ensuring full compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
VAT Registration Basics
When must I register for VAT?
- Compulsory: if your taxable supplies exceed R2.3 million in any consecutive 12-month period (up from R1 million on 1 April 2026), or if you’re contractually bound to exceed it. You must apply within 21 business days of exceeding it.
- Voluntary: allowed once taxable supplies exceed R120,000 in the past 12 months (up from R50,000). Below that you generally can’t register unless you meet specific SARS criteria.
What is the VAT rate in South Africa?
The standard VAT rate in South Africa is 15%. However, some supplies are zero-rated (0%), such as basic foodstuffs and exports. In addition, certain supplies are exempt from VAT altogether, such as financial services and residential rental income.
How often do I file VAT returns?
Bi-monthly (Category A or B) or monthly (Category C) VAT return filing period, based on your business turnover.
More Questions About VAT Registration
What is input and output VAT?
Output VAT is the VAT you charge on your sales to customers. Input VAT is the VAT you pay on business purchases and expenses. Each period, you pay SARS the difference between output and input VAT. If input exceeds output, SARS refunds the difference to you.
Can I claim VAT refunds from SARS?
Yes, if your input VAT exceeds your output VAT in a tax period, you can claim a refund from SARS. This commonly happens when a business makes large capital purchases or has significant zero-rated exports. SARS typically processes refunds within 21 business days.
How long does VAT registration take?
VAT registration typically takes 5–10 business days once all documents are submitted to SARS via eFiling. However, processing times may vary depending on SARS workload and whether additional verification is required. We follow up with SARS throughout the process to ensure timely registration.
Related Tax Services
Additional SARS registration services:
Income Tax Registration — SARS tax number for your business
PAYE & UIF Registration — Employer tax registration with SARS
CSD Registration — Government supplier database (R690)
Company Registration — Pty Ltd registration with CIPC (R890)
All Services — View all Bekin Consulting services
Ready to Register for VAT?
Complete VAT Registration — R1,490 · 5–10 Business Days
Get your business VAT registered with SARS — VAT number, certificate, and eFiling setup included.
✅ SARS eFiling registration | ✅ VAT number & certificate | ✅ 100% Compliance Guaranteed
Or call us: 021 525 9615 · sales@bekinconsulting.co.za