How To Apply For A VAT Certificate

By Tevait Feanle •  Updated: 11/28/23 •  5 min read

As your business grows and your turnover increases, you may want to apply to be VAT registered with SARS to make your handling of VAT in your business smoother. This is also necessary for many businesses, even those that do not meet the mandatory VAT registration threshold if they want to be suppliers or vendors for businesses that are VAT-registered themselves. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

How To Apply For A VAT Certificate

When you first apply to SARS to become a VAT-registered company, you will fill in a form via eFiling that is officially known as the VAT101 form. Once they accept your application and issue your VAT103 Certificate, otherwise known as the Notice of Registration for VAT, you can use this to prove to others that you are indeed VAT registered with SARS.

Luckily, as SARS has migrated to a digital system, you no longer have to separately request this certificate. Instead, you receive your Notice of Registration automatically once your application has been vetted and accepted. You should receive this alongside your new VAT number, which you will also use to prove your VAT-registered status as needed.

Once you have established that you can register for VAT, whether it is the compulsory VAT registration (at a turnover of one million Rand in a 12-month consecutive period) or the voluntary threshold (R50,000 turnover), head to your SARS eFiling profile to apply for VAT registration.

Here, you will complete the VAT101 form. Once the form is logged on the system, SARS will process it. While they may need to perform some checks on your documents and other matters, in some cases, the new VAT number and Notice of Registration will be issued near-instantaneously. Don’t worry if it takes a little longer, however. Once you are registered, SARS will ‘backdate’ your registration date to the relevant month. 

What Documents Do I Need To Apply For VAT?

Some supporting documents will be required as part of the VAT application process. Typically, these are your business’ registration documents and the ID of your registered representative. They will also need proof of your business bank account (for refunds and payments) and business/postal addresses. This will be linked to your existing income tax number, which you can find on eFiling should you not have access to it. Remember, however, that you will receive a separate VAT number to use regarding all your VAT transactions. 

You cannot register for VAT if you are not already tax-compliant across your other tax types. So make sure your tax affairs are up to date before you apply. Some common ‘snags’ encountered are incomplete or missing forms related to staff matters (like PAYE and UIF or your annual IRP5 summaries) and unpaid or unfiled income tax.

What Is A VAT103 Certificate (South Africa)?

The VAT103 Certificate is another name for your notice of registration for VAT with SARS. Once you submit your application for registration (the VAT101 form) to SARS, whether through a SARS branch or online, you will then receive your VAT103 Certificate as communication from SARS confirming you have been registered. You can then print and use this certificate as proof of your registration for VAT. Be sure not to confuse this with the VAT101 you filled in to apply for VAT registration or the VAT201 reporting forms you submit every 2 months to SARS to track and declare your VAT liability. 

Can I Get My SARS Tax Certificate Online?

The SARS eFiling system is very sophisticated and attempts to replace all transactions you would once have gone to a SARS branch to do. This includes basic requests, like issuing your VAT certificate or general Income Tax Compliance certificate, to prove to business partners, tenders, and other interested third parties that you are fully tax compliant. 

If you are looking for your SARS VAT certificate or the VAT103 Notice of Registration, you can find it stored on the SARS system, ready for you to access. Simply head to your SARS communication tab, or request one from their help center. If you need to prove your overall tax compliance, the old Good Standing certificate system has been replaced by a near-real-time tax compliance status system. Once this is activated on SARS- something you only need to do once- you can request a PIN from them, which will give other third parties you need to prove your tax compliance to (limited) access to your current tax compliance status. Don’t worry- they won’t see actual details of your tax dealings with SARS, just your overall tax-compliant status.

Your VAT certificate, just as with other certificates issued by SARS, helps to prove you are a tax-compliant business in good standing with SARS. This can be very important in securing new deals and partnerships, so it pays to know how to access and request these items as you may need them. Luckily, it can all be done through SARS eFiling. Should you have any issues, however, you can always head to a SARS branch or call their helpline for further details relevant to your needs.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

VDP01 – Voluntary Disclosure Application Form

VDP01 – Voluntary Disclosure Application Form

VDP01 – Voluntary Disclosure Application Form. This guide explains everything you want to know about voluntary disclosure applications.  

Are Salaries Exempt from VAT?

Are Salaries Exempt from VAT?

This piece seeks to elucidate how Salaries are treated under VAT in South Africa, differentiate between zero-rated and exempt supplies

What is Deferred VAT?

What is Deferred VAT?

Deferred VAT in South Africa pertains to the provision extended to Customs clients who are duly registered or licensed

How Does VAT Work with Business in South Africa?

How Does VAT Work with Business in South Africa?

Through this guide, we delve into the mechanics of VAT for businesses, shedding light on vital aspects such as deductions

Can a South African Sole Proprietor Register for VAT?

Can a South African Sole Proprietor Register for VAT?

This comprehensive guide will address this question and provide insights into VAT registration for sole proprietors

How Much Percentage Is VAT In South Africa?

How Much Percentage Is VAT In South Africa?

Today we will delve into the VAT rate, what items are VAT-free, how to calculate the 15% VAT in South Africa

How To Get A VAT Statement Of Account

How To Get A VAT Statement Of Account

Today we look closer at how to get a VAT statement of account, alongside other account types, from SARS eFiling.

How to Complete a VAT 101 Form

How to Complete a VAT 101 Form

This guide explains everything you need to know about VAT registration. How to Complete a VAT 101 Form

How is VAT Calculated in South Africa?

How is VAT Calculated in South Africa?

In this extensive guide, we'll delve into the workings of VAT calculation in South Africa, providing insights into subtracting VAT from an amount

Can You Charge VAT Without a VAT Number?

Can You Charge VAT Without a VAT Number?

This article examines whether you can levy VAT without a VAT number, the process for issuing VAT invoice

How Much Must You Earn to Pay VAT in South Africa?

How Much Must You Earn to Pay VAT in South Africa?

This guide explores the income thresholds for individuals and businesses that trigger VAT obligations

What Differentiates Customs Duty From VAT?

What Differentiates Customs Duty From VAT?

Customs Duty is a tax that the South African government charges on imported goods. VAT is imports to local transactions.

How To Check A Company’s VAT Number

How To Check A Company’s VAT Number

Luckily, there are ways for you to check if a company's VAT number is legitimate with SARS. Here is what you need to know.

How to Do VAT Audit

How to Do VAT Audit

To prevent such a scenario, SARS randomly selects taxpayers for audit.  This article explains everything you want to know about VAT audits.  

How to Claim VAT on Exported Goods?

How to Claim VAT on Exported Goods?

To be eligible to claim a VAT refund on export items, there are different things you should know. Read on to learn how to claim VAT on exported goods.