Self-assessment
VAT Act Self-Assessment
16 yes/no questions on VAT for South African businesses: whether you must be registered, tax invoices, claiming input tax, returns and payments, and records. You get a score for each area and a list of gaps with what to do about each one.
1. Registration
You must register as a VAT vendor once your taxable supplies in any 12-month period exceed the compulsory threshold, or are likely to. The threshold was reported as raised in 2026 (to R2.3 million, with the voluntary threshold at R120,000), but I could not confirm the figures on SARS's own site, so check SARS before relying on them.
1. Do you check your taxable turnover against the compulsory VAT registration threshold on a rolling 12-month basis, including signed contracts that will take you over it?
A signed contract can trigger registration before the cash arrives. (VAT Act s23)
2. If you went over the threshold, did you apply to register within the time SARS allows (reported as 21 days)?
(VAT Act s23)
3. If you are registered voluntarily, do you meet the conditions (a bank account, proper accounting records and a fixed place of business)?
(VAT Act s23(7))
4. Do you tell SARS promptly when your details change (address, banking, directors or the nature of the business)?
(VAT Act s23)
2. Tax invoices and claiming input tax
Answer Not applicable in this section if you are not a VAT vendor.
1. Do you issue a valid tax invoice for every taxable supply, including the words 'tax invoice', your name, address and VAT number, the customer's details, the date, the description and the amount of VAT?
A full tax invoice is reported as needed above R5,000, an abridged invoice below that, and none below R50. A quote or delivery note is not a tax invoice. (VAT Act s20)
2. Do you issue credit and debit notes when an invoice is adjusted, instead of altering the original?
(VAT Act s21)
3. Do you claim input tax only on valid tax invoices (or equivalent documents) for goods and services used in making taxable supplies?
(VAT Act s16, s17)
4. Do you split input tax correctly where purchases are used for both taxable and exempt supplies, or for private use?
(VAT Act s17)
5. Do you apply the right rate: the standard rate, zero rating (for example certain exports and basic foodstuffs) or exempt status?
(VAT Act ss 7, 11, 12)
3. Returns, payments and records
1. Do you know your VAT tax period (for example every two months, or monthly) and its due dates?
(VAT Act s27)
2. Do you submit your VAT201 return and pay by the due date, which is reported as the 25th of the month after the period end (the last business day when the 25th falls on a weekend or holiday)?
(VAT Act s28)
3. Do you reconcile your VAT return to your accounting records before you submit it?
(VAT Act s28)
4. Do you pay any penalties and interest promptly and correct errors from earlier periods in the next return or by voluntary disclosure?
(VAT Act s39, Tax Administration Act)
5. Do you keep all VAT records (invoices, credit notes, import documents, ledgers and returns) for at least five years?
(VAT Act s55)
6. If SARS queries or assesses you, do you have a way to respond in time and object within the allowed period?
(VAT Act ss 31, 32, Tax Administration Act)
7. Do you understand VAT offences and penalties, such as failing to register, issuing false invoices or failing to file returns?
(VAT Act s58)
Sources
Turn these gaps into tracked tasks
Assign owners and due dates, keep the evidence, and show your progress to clients and auditors.