SARS VAT registration
VAT registration in South Africa
We prepare and submit your VAT registration to SARS and help you respond to SARS's verification requests until a decision is made.
- Compliance Focused
- Clear Process
- POPIA Conscious
- Professional Support
VAT Registration
Afri-Cafe service fee
R2,400
Once-off
Government fee
- No fee · SARS
What VAT registration means for your business
Once SARS registers your business as a VAT vendor, you charge VAT on your taxable supplies, issue valid tax invoices, claim input VAT on business expenses and submit VAT returns.
Registration is compulsory when your taxable supplies exceed — or are expected to exceed — R2.3 million in any 12-month period. SARS raised the threshold to this level from 1 April 2026. Businesses below the threshold may register voluntarily if they meet SARS's requirements for voluntary registration.
Who needs it
- Businesses whose taxable supplies have passed, or will pass, R2.3 million in a 12-month period
- Businesses whose clients — often larger companies — prefer or require VAT-registered suppliers
- Businesses with significant VAT on expenses that may benefit from voluntary registration
Requirements and documents
Who can apply
- A registered business with a SARS tax reference
- Taxable supplies above the compulsory threshold, or meeting SARS's voluntary-registration requirements
- A business bank account in the business's name
Documents and information we'll need
- Company registration documents and directors' IDs
- Bank confirmation letter for the business account
- Proof of the business address
- Evidence of taxable supplies, such as invoices, contracts or bank statements
- SARS registered representative details or eFiling access
What we handle — and what the authority handles
Afri-Cafe is an independent administration partner. We are not SARS and cannot make decisions on its behalf.
Afri-Cafe handles
- Checking whether compulsory or voluntary registration applies
- Preparing a complete supporting-document pack
- Submitting the application to SARS
- Responding to SARS verification requests with the documents SARS asks for
- Confirming your VAT registration details once issued
SARS handles
- Verifying the application and supporting documents
- Requesting additional information where needed
- Approving or declining the registration and issuing the VAT number
Fees
Our service fee and the government fee are shown separately, so you always know what goes to the authority.
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Afri-Cafe service fee | R2,400 Once-off | Afri-Cafe |
| SARS VAT registrationSARS does not charge to register a VAT vendor. | No fee | SARS |
Government fees are set by the authority and can change. We confirm the applicable amount with you before anything is paid.
How it works
The process, step by step
- STEP 01
Eligibility check
We confirm whether you must register or may register voluntarily.
- STEP 02
Document pack
We collect and check the documents SARS will look for.
- STEP 03
Submission
We submit the VAT application to SARS.
- STEP 04
SARS verification
SARS reviews the application and may ask for more information. We respond with you.
- STEP 05
Decision
SARS approves or declines. Once approved, we confirm your VAT details and filing obligations.
SARS's verification time varies and SARS may request further documents. Registration decisions are made by SARS alone — no service provider can guarantee approval. We submit promptly once your documents are complete.
Common problems we help you avoid
Too little proof of trading
SARS often asks for evidence that taxable supplies are real — contracts, invoices and bank statements.
Bank details that don't match
The account must be in the business's name and match SARS's records.
Outdated registered representative
An inactive or unverified representative on eFiling delays the application.
Registering too late
Compulsory registration has a short legal deadline once you pass the threshold, so start early.
Where to go from here
Related services
- Company registration
Register your company with CIPC first.
- Business compliance services
SARS registered representative, tax compliance status and other SARS registrations.
- Virtual PA
Ongoing help with invoices, quotes and VAT-ready paperwork.
- Compare business setup packages
VAT registration can be added to any setup package.
VAT Registration: frequently asked questions
When must my business register for VAT?
When taxable supplies exceed, or are expected to exceed, R2.3 million in any 12-month period (the threshold since 1 April 2026). The 12 months are any consecutive period, not your financial year.
Can I register voluntarily below the threshold?
Yes, if you meet SARS's requirements for voluntary registration. We'll check whether voluntary registration makes sense for your business before applying.
Does SARS charge for VAT registration?
No. SARS does not charge a registration fee. The R2,400 is Afri-Cafe's once-off service fee for preparing and managing the application.
Can you guarantee SARS will approve my registration?
No. SARS makes the decision. We make sure your application and supporting documents are complete and respond to SARS's requests to give it the best footing.
What happens after I'm registered?
You must charge VAT on taxable supplies, issue valid tax invoices and submit VAT returns on time. Our Virtual PA plans can help with the invoicing and paperwork around it.
Start my VAT registration
Send us a few details and we'll confirm what's needed, the applicable government fee and the next steps.