South African VAT Calculator - Remove 15% VAT Instantly

Free online tool to quickly remove 15% VAT from any amount

How to Use This VAT Calculator

  1. Enter the total amount that includes 15% VAT in the input field
  2. The calculator will instantly show you three values: the original amount, the VAT portion, and the amount excluding VAT
  3. Click the copy button next to any result to copy it to your clipboard

What Is VAT and Why Use a VAT Remover?

Value-Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax applied to the sale of goods and services in South Africa. Introduced in 1991, the current standard VAT rate stands at 15%, as regulated by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). This tax applies to most everyday purchases and business transactions, though some items are either zero-rated or VAT-exempt.

A VAT remover helps you work backwards from a total amount that includes VAT to determine the original price before tax. This process, known as removing VAT, is essential for individuals and businesses who need clarity on the net price of a product or service.

Our VAT removal tool is designed to do just that: quickly and accurately calculate the amount before VAT - especially relevant when removing VAT in South Africa at the 15% rate.

How to Calculate the Amount Before VAT

To remove 15% VAT from any total, use this simple formula:

Amount excluding VAT = Total (including VAT) ÷ 1.15

Example:

If your total is R1,150 and you want to know the price before tax:

  • R1,150 ÷ 1.15 = R1,000 (net amount)
  • R1,150 – R1,000 = R150 (VAT portion)

FAQs – VAT Remover & Reverse VAT Calculations

What is a VAT remover?

A VAT remover is a tool that helps you subtract VAT from a total price. It calculates the original net amount before tax was added.

How does a VAT removal tool work?

It uses a fixed formula: Net Price = Gross Price ÷ 1.15. You enter the VAT-inclusive amount, and the tool instantly returns the net amount and VAT portion.

Why would I need to remove VAT?

Removing VAT is important when preparing VAT-exempt quotes, checking receipts, handling bookkeeping, or understanding true costs.

Is this tool accurate for removing VAT in South Africa?

Yes. It is specifically designed for the South African 15% VAT rate and is accurate for all standard VAT-inclusive calculations.

Can I use this for personal or business purposes?

Absolutely. This VAT removal tool is suitable for anyone needing to reverse-calculate VAT—whether for business operations, accounting, or everyday spending.

Why Use a VAT Removal Tool?

Removing VAT is essential in many everyday scenarios, whether for personal clarity or professional use. Here are examples of when a VAT removal tool becomes invaluable:

Business Invoicing

Companies often need to display VAT-exclusive pricing on quotes or invoices - particularly for VAT-exempt clients or international transactions. A VAT remover provides a quick breakdown of the base price.

Freelancer Quoting

Service providers may want to quote clients a net price, then show VAT as a separate line item. This VAT removal tool ensures that figures stay accurate and professional.

Financial Reconciliation

Accountants and bookkeepers use VAT removers to separate the tax component from gross figures when preparing financial reports or calculating tax liabilities.

Retail and Consumer Checks

Consumers may use the tool to verify VAT charges on receipts or invoices - making sure 15% has been properly applied and not overcharged.

Real-Life Examples of Removing VAT in South Africa

Example 1: Small Business Reconciliation

An entrepreneur receives a total supplier invoice of R2,875. To reconcile costs before VAT:

Calculation: R2,875 ÷ 1.15 = R2,500

VAT removed: R375

Example 2: Freelancer Pricing a Project

A designer wants to quote R1,500 before VAT but needs to check the full price for the client:

R1,500 × 1.15 = R1,725 (total inclusive price)

Example 3: Shopper Reviewing a Bill

A customer is charged R230 for an item and wants to confirm the VAT portion:

R230 ÷ 1.15 = R200 (net price)

R30 = VAT

Professional VAT Calculator Features

  • Instant 15% South African VAT removal calculations
  • Real-time results as you type
  • Copy-to-clipboard functionality for all results
  • Mobile-responsive design for on-the-go calculations
  • Free to use for personal and business purposes
  • No registration or downloads required
  • Accurate calculations based on SARS 15% VAT rate