VAT registration is mandatory once your taxable turnover exceeds the registration threshold in your country. Even if you are below the threshold, voluntary registration can benefit businesses that make significant zero-rated or reduced-rate supplies, as you can reclaim input VAT on your purchases. Understanding when to register, how to register and what obligations come with registration is essential for compliance.
Monitor your taxable turnover against the VAT registration threshold
Determine whether mandatory or voluntary registration applies to you
Gather required information: business details, bank details, expected turnover
Apply for VAT registration through the online portal of SARS
Receive your VAT registration number and certificate
Update all invoices and systems to include your VAT number
Start charging VAT on all taxable supplies from the effective date
Set up your accounting software for VAT tracking and return preparation
Businesses in South Africa operating under the VAT system must meet these compliance requirements set by SARS:
Not registering on time when turnover exceeds the threshold
Backdating errors - not accounting for VAT on sales made after the threshold was breached
Choosing the wrong VAT scheme (flat rate vs standard) without proper analysis
Not updating invoices with the VAT registration number promptly
Forgetting to charge VAT from the effective date of registration
Not setting up proper record keeping systems before the first VAT period
SortBooks connects to your Xero account and finds transactions sitting in catch-all accounts. AI suggests the right account and tax code, learning from your own past coding. You approve it and SortBooks updates Xero. Reconciled transactions are locked by Xero, so those stay in SortBooks with an Open in Xero link.
AI suggests a category and VAT code for each transaction. You approve it before anything changes in Xero.
Growth and above get a quarterly GST/VAT estimate to check before you lodge with SARS.
Ask about your P&L, cash and who owes you, using live Xero data. Every dollar figure is checked against Xero.
Thresholds vary by country. UK: GBP 90,000 (from April 2024). Ireland: EUR 37,500 for services, EUR 75,000 for goods. UAE: AED 375,000 mandatory, AED 187,500 voluntary. South Africa: ZAR 1,000,000.
Voluntary registration can benefit you if you sell mainly zero-rated goods (like exports) or make significant business purchases with VAT. You can reclaim input VAT on all business purchases. However, it adds administrative burden and requires you to charge VAT on taxable sales.
SortBooks suggests the VAT code for each transaction along with the account, and writes it back to Xero once you approve. Growth and above get a quarterly VAT estimate to check before you submit your return in Xero.
AI suggests, you approve, SortBooks updates Xero. Try it free for 14 days.