Issuing correct tax invoices is a legal requirement for GST/VAT-registered businesses. A tax invoice must contain specific information - and without a valid tax invoice, your customers cannot claim input tax credits on their purchases. Understanding the requirements in your country ensures compliance and maintains good relationships with business customers who need valid invoices for their own tax obligations.
Include your business name and GST/VAT registration number
Include the date of issue and a unique invoice number
Include the buyer's details (name and address for invoices over certain thresholds)
Describe the goods or services supplied clearly
Show the quantity and unit price
Show the GST/VAT amount separately (or state that the total includes GST/VAT)
Show the total amount payable including and excluding GST/VAT
Issue the invoice within the timeframe required by your jurisdiction
Businesses in South Africa operating under the VAT system must meet these compliance requirements set by SARS:
Not including the GST/VAT registration number
Not showing GST/VAT as a separate line item
Using incorrect or outdated business details
Not issuing invoices within the required timeframe
Not including sufficient description of goods or services
Not having sequential invoice numbering
SortBooks connects to your Xero account and handles VAT compliance automatically. Every transaction is categorised with the correct tax treatment, bank feeds are reconciled in real-time and your SARS-ready reports are always up to date. No more last-minute scrambles or manual data entry.
Every transaction gets the correct VAT code automatically - 97%+ accuracy from day one.
Generate compliant reports for SARS at any time - no reconciliation needed.
Never miss a filing deadline. SortBooks tracks your obligations and reminds you in advance.
At minimum: your business name and ABN/VAT number, the date, a description of goods or services, the GST/VAT amount, and the total. For invoices over certain thresholds (e.g., $1,000 AUD or GBP 250), you also need the buyer's details.
In most jurisdictions, you must issue a tax invoice within 28-30 days of the taxable supply. Some countries allow customers to request a tax invoice within a certain period even if one was not initially provided.
SortBooks integrates with Xero's invoicing system. While you create invoices in Xero, SortBooks ensures the associated transactions are correctly categorised and reconciled - maintaining a complete audit trail from invoice to bank deposit.
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