Valid SA tax invoice: the SARS checklist in plain English
4 min read · General information, not legal advice
Quick answer
A full tax invoice (required where the supply including VAT exceeds R5 000) must contain the words 'Tax Invoice', the supplier's name, address and VAT number, the recipient's name and address (and VAT number if they're a vendor), a serial number, the date, an accurate description of the goods or services, the quantity, and the price plus the VAT amount or a statement that VAT is included at the standard rate.
Smaller amounts
For supplies of R5 000 or less, an abridged tax invoice is allowed: the words 'Tax Invoice', supplier details, serial number, date, description, and the total with VAT included.
Not VAT-registered?
Then don't charge VAT and don't call it a tax invoice — a plain invoice is fine. But keep the same discipline: number your invoices, date them, and describe the work clearly. It makes getting paid (and proving the debt) far easier.
Make your invoices collectable
An invoice with clear payment terms is the first step; an acknowledgement of debt is the backstop when a client falls behind. Both are in our library.
