What must a valid tax invoice include in South Africa?

A valid tax invoice must include: the words "Tax Invoice", the seller's name, address, and VAT number, the buyer's name and address (and VAT number for invoices over R5,000), a unique invoice number, the date, a description of goods/services, the quantity, the VAT-exclusive price, the VAT rate and amount, and the VAT-inclusive total.

What is the current VAT rate in South Africa?

The standard VAT rate in South Africa is 15%. Certain supplies are zero-rated (0%) or exempt from VAT. This template uses the standard 15% rate by default.

When must I issue a tax invoice?

You must issue a tax invoice within 21 days of the supply of goods or services. For continuous supplies, issue an invoice at least once per tax period (every two months for most businesses).

What is the difference between a full and abridged tax invoice?

For supplies under R5,000 (VAT inclusive), you may issue an abridged tax invoice which does not require the buyer's details. For supplies of R5,000 or more, a full tax invoice with complete buyer details is required.

Can I claim input VAT without a proper tax invoice?

No. SARS requires a valid tax invoice as documentary proof to claim an input tax deduction. Ensure your suppliers issue compliant invoices and keep them for at least 5 years.

InvoicingExcel & Google Sheets

Free Tax Invoice Template (VAT) for South Africa

Download a SARS-compliant VAT tax invoice template for South Africa. Excel file (also opens in Google Sheets) with automatic VAT calculation at 15%.

Updated 9 October 2026

About This Template

A SARS-compliant tax invoice template designed specifically for VAT-registered businesses in South Africa. This template includes all the mandatory fields required by the Value-Added Tax Act, including your VAT registration number, the words "Tax Invoice", VAT amounts per line item, and the total VAT charged. The template automatically calculates VAT at the standard rate of 15% and separates the VAT-exclusive amount, VAT, and VAT-inclusive total. It is the essential document every VAT vendor needs to issue when supplying goods or services.

Who Is This For?

VAT-registered businesses, accountants, bookkeepers, and any vendor who must issue tax invoices in terms of the Value-Added Tax Act. Essential for businesses with annual turnover exceeding R2.3 million (mandatory VAT registration) or those voluntarily registered.

Key Features

Clearly labelled "Tax Invoice" as required by SARS
Automatic VAT calculation at 15% standard rate
Separate fields for VAT-exclusive amount, VAT, and VAT-inclusive total
Seller and buyer VAT registration number fields
Compliant with Section 20 of the VAT Act requirements
Shows whether a full tax invoice (R5,000 or more) or an abridged tax invoice is needed

How to Use This Template

1Download the template and enter your business details including your VAT registration number.
2Add your client's name, address, and VAT number (if applicable).
3Enter line items with descriptions, quantities, and VAT-exclusive prices.
4The template auto-calculates VAT at 15% for each line and the overall total.
5Review the VAT-exclusive subtotal, total VAT, and VAT-inclusive grand total.
6Save as PDF, send to your client, and keep a copy for your VAT return records.

Why South African Businesses Need This

If you are VAT-registered in South Africa, you are legally required to issue tax invoices that meet specific SARS requirements. A non-compliant tax invoice means your client cannot claim input VAT, which damages your business relationships. This template ensures every invoice you send meets Section 20 requirements, making your VAT returns straightforward and keeping you on the right side of SARS.

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Template file

Excel & Google Sheets

Download template (.xlsx)

Free, no sign-up. Opens in Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice, and Numbers.

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