Before you apply
- Your business is registered on eFiling (income tax reference for the business)
- A bank account for the business
- Proof of turnover, or contracts that show you will pass the threshold
- Your directors', members' or owner's details
After SARS registers you
You get a VAT number and a VAT category, which sets how often you file. Put the number on every tax invoice from the date of registration, and decide whether your prices now include VAT. The VAT201 guide explains the returns.
Set up your books for VAT
In Bookkeeping & Invoicing the setup interview asks whether you are registered, your category and your basis, then issues full or abridged tax invoices with the VAT worked out, keeps standard, zero-rated and exempt sales apart, and puts your VAT201 dates in the deadline calendar with email reminders.
A note
This is a plain-English summary, not tax advice. Check your own case with SARS or your accountant.