R3,500.00

VAT registration support for businesses that need to register with SARS as a VAT vendor, whether the application is compulsory or voluntary.

From 1 April 2026, compulsory VAT registration applies where taxable supplies exceed, or are expected to exceed, R2.3 million in any consecutive 12-month period. Voluntary VAT registration may apply where taxable supplies have exceeded R120,000, subject to SARS requirements.

This service helps with checking the correct route, preparing the supporting information, and guiding the VAT registration process with SARS.

  • Typical turnaround: depends on SARS processing and whether your supporting documents are complete.

Description

VAT Registration Assistance in South Africa

VAT registration is an important SARS registration for businesses that have reached the compulsory VAT threshold or want to apply for voluntary VAT registration. Once your business is registered as a VAT vendor, you may need to charge VAT on taxable supplies, issue valid tax invoices, keep proper VAT records, and submit VAT returns to SARS.

From 1 April 2026, compulsory VAT registration applies where your taxable supplies exceed, or are expected to exceed, R2.3 million in any consecutive 12-month period. If the compulsory threshold applies, the VAT registration application must be made within 21 business days from the date the threshold is, or will be, exceeded.

Voluntary VAT registration may apply where your taxable supplies have exceeded R120,000, subject to SARS requirements. This can be useful for businesses that need VAT registration for supplier onboarding, contracts, tenders, larger clients, or business growth — but it should be done carefully because VAT registration creates ongoing compliance responsibilities.

Brendmo assists by helping you confirm whether VAT registration is the right step, prepare the information needed for the application, and guide the process so the application is submitted with the correct supporting documents.

What’s included

We help with the VAT registration process by checking your situation first, then guiding the application route based on whether the registration is compulsory or voluntary.

This service may include assistance with:

  • Reviewing whether VAT registration is compulsory or voluntary
  • Confirming the business details needed for the application
  • Guidance on supporting documents and turnover evidence
  • Assistance with SARS VAT registration preparation
  • Support with the VAT registration submission process
  • Guidance on what happens after VAT registration is approved

What this service does not include

This service does not include ongoing VAT return submissions unless separately arranged. VAT201 returns, monthly or bi-monthly VAT accounting, bookkeeping, tax invoice reviews, VAT reconciliations, and VAT compliance support can be quoted separately if required.

This service also does not guarantee SARS approval. SARS may request additional information, query the application, or delay approval if documents are incomplete, turnover evidence is not clear, banking details do not match, the registered representative is not active, or the business does not yet meet the requirements for VAT registration.

What we need from you

To help with VAT registration, we may request:

  • Company registration documents
  • SARS/eFiling access details or representative information
  • Public Officer / Registered Representative details
  • Business address details
  • Bank details
  • Recent invoices or sales records
  • Bank statements
  • Contracts or proof of expected taxable supplies, where relevant
  • Reason for VAT registration
  • Current or estimated annual taxable turnover

The exact documents depend on whether your application is compulsory or voluntary.

Turnaround time

Turnaround depends on SARS processing and whether your supporting documents are complete. If your documents are clear and your SARS profile is correctly set up, the process usually moves more smoothly. If SARS requests additional information or your Public Officer / Registered Representative setup is not active, the process may take longer.

Important note after VAT registration

VAT registration is not only about getting a VAT number. Once registered, your business must manage VAT properly, including VAT invoices, VAT records, VAT201 returns, and payment or refund processes according to SARS deadlines.

If you need ongoing VAT return submissions or VAT accounting support, our team can guide you on the next step.

FAQs

When must a business register for VAT in South Africa?
From 1 April 2026, a business must register for VAT if its taxable supplies exceed, or are expected to exceed, R2.3 million in any consecutive 12-month period. The application must be made within 21 business days from the date that threshold is, or will be, exceeded.
Can I register for VAT voluntarily?
Yes. Voluntary VAT registration may apply where taxable supplies have exceeded R120,000, subject to SARS requirements. Voluntary VAT registration can be useful in some situations, but it should be considered carefully because it creates ongoing VAT compliance responsibilities.
Can I register for VAT if my turnover is below R120,000?
In most ordinary cases, the voluntary registration route requires taxable supplies above the voluntary threshold, subject to SARS rules and exceptions. If your turnover is still very low, it may be better to first confirm whether VAT registration is appropriate before applying.
What documents are needed for VAT registration?
The documents depend on your business and application type, but SARS may require company details, banking information, proof of business address, invoices, bank statements, contracts, proof of taxable supplies, and representative/Public Officer details. We confirm the document checklist before proceeding.
How long does VAT registration take?
Turnaround depends on SARS processing and whether the application is complete. If SARS requests additional information, or if the company’s SARS profile, banking details or registered representative setup is not correct, the process can take longer.
Can I charge VAT before registration is approved?
You should be careful not to charge VAT incorrectly before your VAT registration is approved and your effective registration date is confirmed. If a client is asking for VAT invoices, it is better to get guidance first.
What happens after VAT registration?
After VAT registration, your business becomes a VAT vendor and must manage VAT compliance properly. This includes issuing proper tax invoices, keeping records, submitting VAT returns, and paying or claiming VAT according to SARS deadlines.
Can Brendmo help with VAT returns after registration?
Yes. VAT return submissions, VAT accounting, VAT reconciliations and ongoing tax compliance support can be arranged separately if you need help after registration.