FREE TEMPLATE · SOUTH AFRICA
Free tax invoice template with VAT for South Africa.
For VAT-registered businesses. Fill in your items, and VAT at 15% and the totals are worked out for you. Below the template is a checklist of what SARS requires on a valid tax invoice.
| Description | Qty | Rate (R) | Amount | Remove |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R 8 500,00 | ||||
| R 2 400,00 |
- Subtotal
- R 10 900,00
- Tax (VAT 15%)
- R 1 635,00
- Total
- R 12 535,00
Example prices only. Your PDF is created on this device: nothing you type, and no logo, is saved, sent or uploaded.
What your tax invoice should include
- The words “Tax invoice” in a prominent place
- Your business name, address and VAT registration number
- Your customer’s name, address and, if they are VAT-registered, their VAT number
- A unique serial number (invoice number) and the date it was issued
- A full description of the goods or services supplied
- The quantity or volume supplied
- The value of the supply, the VAT charged and the total, or a VAT-inclusive total with a statement that it includes VAT at 15%
If the total is R5,000 or less, an abridged tax invoice is enough: your customer’s details and the quantity are not required, and you may show a VAT-inclusive price with a note that it includes VAT at 15%. Supplies under R50 do not need a tax invoice at all.
Tips
- Issue the tax invoice within 21 days of the supply. A VAT-registered customer needs it to claim input VAT.
- Keep a copy of every tax invoice for at least five years. SARS can ask for them.
- If your business is not registered for VAT, do not charge VAT and do not call your document a tax invoice. Call it an invoice.
Questions
What makes an invoice a valid tax invoice in South Africa?
It must say “Tax invoice” and show your name, address and VAT number, the customer’s details, a serial number, the date, a description and quantity of what you supplied, and the value, VAT and total. Totals of R5,000 or less can use the shorter abridged format.
What VAT rate should I use?
The standard VAT rate in South Africa is 15%. Zero-rated and exempt supplies are different, so check with your accountant if you sell those.
Can I issue a tax invoice if I am not VAT-registered?
No. If you are not registered for VAT, do not charge VAT and call your document an invoice.