Rules last checked 29 Oct 2026
Tax invoice generator for South Africa
A South African VAT vendor must issue a full tax invoice for supplies over R5,000, showing both the supplier's and the recipient's names, addresses and VAT numbers, a serial number, the date, a description, and the VAT charged at 15%. For R5,000 or less, an abridged tax invoice without the recipient's details is enough. InvoiceKit handles both, free and without signup, and keeps your data in your browser.
- No signup, no watermark
- Stays in your browser: nothing uploaded
- GST, VAT and sales-tax aware
How it works
Country is preset
Tax name, rates, tax-ID label and document title follow local rules.
Fill in both parties
Registration numbers are format-checked as you type where possible.
Download the PDF
Check the result against the list below before you send it.
What an invoice in South Africa must show
- The words Tax Invoice. The words tax invoice, VAT invoice or invoice, shown prominently.
- Supplier details. Name, address and VAT registration number of the supplier.
- Recipient details (over R5,000). Name, address and, where registered, VAT number of the recipient.
- Serial number and date. An individual serial number and the date of issue.
- Description of goods or services. A full and proper description of what was supplied.
- Quantity or volume. The quantity or volume of goods or services supplied.
- Value, VAT and total. The value of the supply, the VAT charged and the total consideration, or the total with a statement that it includes VAT at 15%.
VAT rates
| Rate | Applies to |
|---|---|
| 15% | Standard rate for most goods and services. |
| 0% (zero-rated) | Zero-rated supplies, such as certain basic foodstuffs and exports. |
VAT No. format
Format: 10 digits, starting with 4.
Example: 4123456789 (illustrative only)
Only registered VAT vendors may issue tax invoices or charge VAT. You can check a vendor's VAT number through SARS eFiling.
Full vs abridged tax invoices
For a supply where the total consideration is more than R5,000, a full tax invoice is required, including the recipient's name, address and VAT number. Where the consideration is R5,000 or less, an abridged tax invoice can leave out the recipient's details and quantity, and may show a total that includes VAT with a statement to that effect.
A tax invoice must generally be issued within 21 days of the supply, and the supplier must keep a copy. Recipients need a valid tax invoice to claim input tax.
Amount in words
Writing the total in words is not a SARS requirement, but it is still customary on many South African invoices. InvoiceKit prints it by default and you can turn it off.
Credit and debit notes
If the value of a supply changes after a tax invoice has been issued, for example because goods are returned or a discount is agreed, the VAT Act generally requires a credit note or debit note rather than an altered invoice. It should be clearly marked as a credit or debit note and refer to the original tax invoice, showing the adjustment and the VAT involved.
Keep tax invoices, credit notes and debit notes for at least five years, the general SARS record-keeping period.
Sources
We check these official pages at least once a year. Rules last checked: 29 Oct 2026. If you spot something out of date, email us and we will fix it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register for VAT?
From 1 April 2026, registration is compulsory once taxable supplies exceed R2.3 million (previously R1 million) in any 12-month period, and voluntary registration is possible from R120,000. Check the SARS website, as thresholds are reviewed from time to time.
Can I issue a tax invoice if I am not a VAT vendor?
No. Only registered vendors may issue tax invoices or charge VAT; others should issue an ordinary invoice without VAT.
Are InvoiceKit invoices accepted by SARS?
SARS sets out the information a tax invoice must contain rather than a template. An InvoiceKit invoice that includes all of it can serve as a valid tax invoice.
Can I issue invoices electronically?
Yes. Electronic tax invoices are generally acceptable, as long as they contain the required details and you keep proper records.
Is this tax advice?
No. This summarises SARS guidance for general information; check sars.gov.za or a registered tax practitioner for your circumstances.
Information only, not tax or legal advice. Tax rules change and depend on your situation. Check the official source or a qualified accountant before relying on them. You are responsible for what your documents say.