Tourists! Get your VAT back

Value Added Tax, or VAT as it is commonly known, is charged on most goods, or services, purchased in South Africa. This is presently set at 14%. Foreigners must also pay this tax. However, they claim it back on items which leave the country with them.

In order therefore to claim your VAT back, you will need a tax invoice for the goods which you have purchased.

A proper tax invoice will comprise the following information: the words “tax invoice” displayed prominently, the date of issue of the tax invoice, reflect the seller’s name, address, VAT registration number (a ten digit number starting with the digit ‘4’), invoice number, a description of the goods purchased and the costs of the goods purchased with the VAT reflected separately; or inclusive with a statement that the price includes VAT.

Always therefore insist on a proper tax invoice when making your purchases.