Country tax profile · 2026
South Africa VAT / sales tax
How South Africa taxes VAT / sales
South Africa charges a standard VAT/GST of 15% on most goods and services, with reduced rates on some essentials.
Compiled by MyNomadWorld for South Africa and currently being re-verified against primary sources. Confirm with a local adviser before relying on it.
How South Africa's VAT / sales tax compares
South Africa's VAT / sales tax of 15% is the 94th highest of the 196 countries we track, against a global average of 14.1% and a Africa average of 15.5%.
Countries with a similar VAT / sales tax
Equatorial Guinea (15%) · Eswatini (15%) · Gambia (15%) · Jamaica (15%) · Lesotho (15%) · Sierra Leone (15%)
Who is a tax resident of South Africa?
Ordinarily resident, OR physical presence test: >91 days in SA in current tax year and each of the 5 preceding years, plus >915 days total across those 5 years.
Related South Africa taxes
Moving to South Africa?
Get matched with a vetted South Africa tax & immigration advisor who handles residency and the exit from your current country.
See advisors →South Africa VAT / sales tax FAQ
What is the VAT / sales tax rate in South Africa?
South Africa charges a standard VAT/GST of 15% on most goods and services, with reduced rates on some essentials.