Invoice format in South Africa: Tax invoice rules
A South Africa tax invoice must show 7 things, starting with the words "tax invoice", supplier name, address and vat registration number and recipient name, address and vat registration number where registered. VAT is charged at 15%. The template below is pre-filled in ZAR with en-ZA formatting.
Pre-filled for South Africa: Tax Invoice, ZAR, VAT 15%. Illustrative amounts, not market prices.
From
Fox Hollow Consulting
12 Market Square
South Africa
billing@example.com
VAT registration number: 4123456789
Tax Invoice
Bill to
Ironbridge Logistics
40 Station Road
South Africa
accounts@example.com
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software licence, annual | 2 seat | R 3 000,00 | R 6 000,00 |
| Monthly support retainer | 1 month | R 8 000,00 | R 8 000,00 |
| Written report | 1 each | R 6 000,00 | R 6 000,00 |
| Consulting services | 8 hr | R 2 000,00 | R 16 000,00 |
- Subtotal
- R 36 000,00
- VAT (15%)
- R 5 400,00
- Balance due
- R 41 400,00
Notes
Illustrative amounts, not market prices.
Payment details
Bank transfer. Please quote the invoice number.
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South Africa invoice facts
| Tax on invoices | Value Added Tax |
|---|---|
| Label printed | VAT |
| Standard rate | 15% |
| Seller tax ID | VAT registration number, format 4123456789 |
| Document name | Tax invoice |
| Currency and locale | ZAR, en-ZA |
| Keep invoices for | 5 years |
| Facts checked | October 2026 |
What a South Africa tax Invoice must show
7 fields, from the sources listed below.
- The words "Tax invoice"
- Supplier name, address and VAT registration number
- Recipient name, address and VAT registration number where registered
- Serial number and date of issue
- Description of the goods or services
- Quantity or volume supplied
- Value of the supply, VAT charged and total consideration, or the total with a statement that it includes VAT at 15%, in ZAR
Sample tax invoice in ZAR
The tool above uses these lines. Illustrative amounts in ZAR, not market prices.
| Item | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software licence, annual | 2 seat | R 3 000,00 | R 6 000,00 |
| Monthly support retainer | 1 month | R 8 000,00 | R 8 000,00 |
| Written report | 1 each | R 6 000,00 | R 6 000,00 |
| Consulting services | 8 hr | R 2 000,00 | R 16 000,00 |
| Net total | R 36 000,00 | ||
| VAT 15% | R 5 400,00 | ||
| Total due | R 41 400,00 |
Worked VAT example in ZAR
A net amount of R 20 000,00 at each VAT rate of South Africa: the tax is the net amount times the rate, rounded to the currency's smallest unit.
| Rate | Net | VAT | Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 15% | R 20 000,00 | R 3 000,00 | R 23 000,00 |
Number, date and currency format (en-ZA)
How en-ZA writes amounts and dates, computed with the browser's Intl API; the invoice tool uses the same formatting.
| Value | Written in en-ZA |
|---|---|
| Amount 1234567.89 | R 1 234 567,89 |
| Same amount with the ISO code | ZAR 1 234 567,89 |
| Credit of 250 | -R 250,00 |
| Plain number 1234567.89 | 1 234 567,89 |
| Date 31 December 2026 (long) | 31 December 2026 |
| Same date (short) | 2026/12/31 |
| VAT rate 15% | 15% |
South Africa invoicing rules
- A full tax invoice is needed when the consideration exceeds R5,000; between R50 and R5,000 an abbreviated tax invoice without the recipient's details is enough.
- The supplier must issue a tax invoice within 21 days of the supply, and only one original may be issued.
- Basic foods such as brown bread, maize meal and fresh vegetables are zero-rated, so they appear on the invoice at 0% rather than 15%.
- South African VAT registration numbers have ten digits and start with 4.
- Keep tax invoices and other VAT records for five years.
E-invoicing, simplified invoices and record keeping
An abbreviated tax invoice is allowed when the consideration is R5,000 or less, and none is needed below R50.
Keep issued and received invoices for at least 5 years in South Africa.
How to make a tax invoice for South Africa
-
Set currency and format
Choose ZAR and the en-ZA format so amounts read like R 1 234,50.
-
Title and number
Title the document "Tax Invoice" and number it in sequence, for example ZA-2026-0087.
-
Your tax ID
Enter your VAT registration number (format 4123456789) in the seller details.
-
Add VAT
Add VAT at 15%, or a reduced rate where the goods or services qualify.
-
Check and download
Check the 7 required fields above, then download the PDF.
Sources
General information, not tax advice; checked October 2026. Rules change: confirm with the tax authority or an accountant before relying on them.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
What must a South Africa tax invoice include?
7 items: the words "tax invoice", supplier name, address and vat registration number, recipient name, address and vat registration number where registered, serial number and date of issue, description of the goods or services and quantity or volume supplied, plus 1 more listed above.
What VAT rate goes on an invoice in South Africa?
The standard rate is 15%. On a net R 20 000,00 that is R 3 000,00 of VAT.
How long must invoices be kept in South Africa?
At least 5 years, according to the sources on this page (checked October 2026).
Can I issue a simplified invoice in South Africa?
An abbreviated tax invoice is allowed when the consideration is R5,000 or less, and none is needed below R50.
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