Tax invoice template for South Africa

A VAT vendor in South Africa has to issue a tax invoice within 21 days, and SARS lists what it must show. This template opens set up for South Africa: titled "Tax invoice", your VAT registration number, VAT at 15% worked out, and amounts in rand.

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No sign-up. Your answers stay in your browser. Updated 8 October 2026

South Africa at a glance

VAT rate	15% (the planned increases were reversed)
Compulsory registration	Taxable supplies over R2.3 million in 12 months (from 1 April 2026; was R1 million)
When to issue	Within 21 days of the supply
Full or abridged	A full tax invoice above R5,000; an abridged one is allowed for R5,000 or less

What the invoice must show

The words "Tax invoice", "VAT invoice" or "Invoice".
Your name, address and VAT registration number.
The recipient's name and address, and their VAT registration number if they are a vendor.
A serial number and the date of issue.
A description of the goods or services, noting second-hand goods.
The quantity or volume supplied.
The value of the supply, the VAT charged and the total.

How this template is set up

The title "Tax invoice".
Your VAT registration number in your business details.
VAT at 15%, worked out on the subtotal after any discount.
Amounts in rand (ZAR).

VAT is applied to the whole invoice. If some items are zero-rated or exempt, invoice them separately or mark them in their description.

Not registered? If you are not a VAT vendor, do not charge VAT, show a VAT number or call the document a tax invoice. Untick both options. You can register voluntarily once your supplies pass R120,000 in 12 months.

Example

Example prices for illustration only. You enter your own lines and prices; the VAT and totals are worked out.
Description	Qty	Unit price	Amount
Plumbing labour (hours)	5	R 450,00	R 2 250,00
Geyser element and thermostat	1	R 1 250,00	R 1 250,00
Call-out fee	1	R 350,00	R 350,00
Subtotal			R 3 850,00
VAT at 15%			R 577,50
Total			R 4 427,50

Questions

Do I need a full tax invoice every time?

Only above R5,000. For R5,000 or less you may issue an abridged tax invoice, and for R50 or less a till slip showing the VAT is enough. A full invoice is valid at any amount.

How long do I have to issue it?

21 days from the date of the supply.

Do I have to register for VAT?

You must register once your taxable supplies pass R2.3 million in 12 months (from 1 April 2026). You can register voluntarily from R120,000.

Credit note template, to correct or cancel an invoice you have sent.
Price quote template, for agreeing the price before the work.
Invoice templates by trade, which start with the lines your trade usually bills.

Invoice templates for other countries

Sources, checked October 2026: SARS: Tax invoices; SARS: Value-Added Tax. General information, not tax advice; rates and thresholds change, so check the tax authority or an accountant for your situation.