VAT101 preparation
We prepare and submit your VAT101 application to SARS, formatted so it clears first time.
SARS VAT registration
Register your company for VAT with SARS.
Voluntary from R120,000 turnover, compulsory at R2.3 million. Smartbook prepares and submits your VAT101 application, handles the SARS admin and follow-up, and delivers your VAT number to your inbox.
What you get
- VAT101 application prepared and submitted to SARS
- Power of attorney and document review handled
- Registered Representative appointed if you need one
- VAT number emailed to you once SARS approves
From
R2 750
Turnaround
20 days
For
South African companies registering for VAT with SARS
There are two routes into VAT. SARS forces you to register once your taxable turnover crosses a set figure, or you opt in earlier because it suits your business. Both go through the same VAT101 application — and both need a clean, well-documented submission or SARS will bounce it back.
Most small businesses register voluntarily to claim input credits or because a corporate or government client won't pay them without a VAT number. Others hit the compulsory threshold and simply need it done properly and fast. Either way, SARS increasingly calls directors in for a verification interview before issuing a number, so the paperwork has to be watertight.
Smartbook prepares your VAT101, drafts your power of attorney, checks every supporting document, appoints a Registered Representative if you don't already have one, and follows up with SARS until your VAT number lands in your inbox.
When you need to register
You'll register for VAT if any of these apply:
- Compulsory: taxable turnover has crossed R2.3 million in any 12-month window
- Compulsory: a signed contract will push you over R2.3 million in the next 12 months
- Voluntary: turnover has passed R120,000 and you want to claim input VAT
- You're signing with corporates or government who require a VAT number before paying
- You import goods and want to claim back the VAT you pay at customs
What's included
Power of attorney
We draft the power of attorney for you to sign, authorising us to deal with SARS on your behalf.
Document review
We check every supporting document against SARS requirements so the application isn't rejected or delayed.
Registered Representative
If you don't have an active SARS Registered Representative, we appoint one so SARS can process your registration.
SARS follow-up
If SARS queries the application or calls a verification interview, we manage the back-and-forth and brief you.
Your VAT number
Once SARS approves, we email your VAT number and confirm what your first VAT201 return will look like.
How it works
Send us your details
Complete a short online form and upload your documents. It takes a few minutes — no branch visits.
We prepare and submit
We draft your power of attorney, review your documents and lodge the VAT101 with SARS, following up on any queries.
You get your VAT number
Once SARS approves, your VAT number lands in your inbox and you're ready to invoice with VAT.
What you need to apply
Have these ready and we can move fast. Missing something? We'll tell you exactly how to get it.
- Registered company (CIPC registration certificate)
- Business bank account in the company's name
- Customer invoices over R120,000 (or R4,200/month for 2 consecutive months)
- Director's certified ID document (not older than 3 months)
- Director's proof of residence (not older than 3 months)
- Company proof of address (not older than 3 months)
- Signed power of attorney (we provide the template)
- An active SARS Registered Representative (we can appoint one)
Common questions
What is the VAT registration threshold in South Africa?
Compulsory VAT registration kicks in when your taxable turnover exceeds R2.3 million in any 12-month period, or when you sign a written contract that will take you over R2.3 million in the next 12 months. Voluntary registration is available from R120,000 in turnover.
How long does VAT registration take?
Around 20 working days from the point we have all your signed documents. SARS turnaround varies, especially if they call you in for a verification interview, so we keep you updated if it runs longer.
What is the VAT rate in South Africa?
The standard VAT rate is 15%. Some goods are zero-rated (basic foods, exports) and some are exempt (financial services, residential rent). Once registered, you charge 15% on most sales and claim back VAT on qualifying business expenses.
Can I register before reaching the R2.3 million threshold?
Yes. Voluntary registration opens at R120,000 in taxable turnover over the past 12 months. Businesses usually opt in early to claim VAT input credits or to issue VAT invoices to corporate and government clients that require them.
Do I need a SARS Registered Representative first?
Yes. SARS won't process a VAT registration unless the company has an active Registered Representative on file. If you don't have one, we can appoint one as part of the process.
What is a SARS VAT verification interview?
For roughly one in three applications, SARS calls the director in to a branch to confirm the business is real and not a shell. We brief you on what to bring — originals of everything we filed — and what to expect.
What happens after I get my VAT number?
You file a VAT201 return with SARS every two months (some businesses monthly), declaring the VAT you charged on sales and the VAT you're claiming back on expenses. Smartbook can handle those filings for you too.
Can I backdate my VAT registration?
SARS will sometimes approve a backdated effective date, usually to the start of the tax period you applied in. Going further back is rare. Be careful: a backdated date means you owe VAT on every sale since then, even if you didn't charge it.
Related services
Last reviewed: June 2026. Smartbook keeps this page current with CIPC and SARS rules.
Ready to get this sorted?
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