Invoicing guide
How to invoice in South Africa
What a valid invoice needs in South Africa, how VAT works, and what is changing. Checked 22 September 2026.
| Tax | VAT |
|---|---|
| Rate | 15% |
| Registration | Compulsory registration at R2.3 million taxable supplies in 12 months, and voluntary registration from R120,000, as applied by SARS from April 2026. |
| Currency | ZAR |
| E-invoicing | No mandate yet. SARS consulted on e-invoicing in August 2026, with a pilot planned for 2029/30 and phased rollout after that. |
| Tax authority | South African Revenue Service (SARS) |
What a valid invoice must include
- The words 'Tax Invoice'
- Your name, address and VAT number
- Recipient's name, address and VAT number (full invoices over R5,000)
- Serial number and date
- Description and quantity
- Value, VAT amount and total, or a statement that VAT at 15% is included
Good to know
Abridged tax invoices are allowed for R5,000 or less.
Invoicing South Africa clients from abroad
If you are not based in South Africa, the rules of your own country usually decide what goes on the invoice. Business-to-business services supplied across borders are often outside the scope of local tax or fall under reverse charge. Invoice in ZAR if your client prefers it, so they pay the exact amount.
How Pigee Invoice helps
- Invoices in ZAR and 50+ other currencies
- Tax treatment suggested from your country and your client's, including reverse charge
- Sequential, month-based invoice numbers such as INV-OCT-001
- A pay page with card payment and your bank details
This guide is general information, not tax advice. Tax rules change; check with South African Revenue Service (SARS) before relying on it.
Questions people ask
What is the VAT rate in South Africa?
15%.
When do I have to register for VAT in South Africa?
Compulsory registration at R2.3 million taxable supplies in 12 months, and voluntary registration from R120,000, as applied by SARS from April 2026.
Is e-invoicing mandatory in South Africa?
No mandate yet. SARS consulted on e-invoicing in August 2026, with a pilot planned for 2029/30 and phased rollout after that.
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