E-invoicing for South Africa — from SARS modernisation to B-BBEE.
South African invoicing sits across three regimes: the SARS-led VAT modernisation programme, the bi-monthly VAT201 cycle through eFiling, and the monthly EMP201 payroll machinery for PAYE, UIF and SDL. This centre consolidates eight guides — anchored to SARS, CIPC, SADC and B-BBEE Codes — on the e-invoicing roadmap, VAT vendor registration, Sage Pastel and QuickBooks migration, VAT at 15%, VAT201 returns, PAYE/UIF/SDL, SADC cross-border, and B-BBEE compliance.
System & Identifiers
SARS e-invoicing roadmap, VAT vendor registration and migration from Sage Pastel, QuickBooks and Sage Business Cloud.
The SARS e-invoicing roadmap
What SARS and National Treasury have announced about e-invoicing and near-real-time VAT reporting, what is still under consultation, and what applies to your invoices today.
VAT vendor registration in South Africa
When you must register for VAT with SARS, when you may register voluntarily, and what changes on your invoices once you are a vendor.
Moving from Sage Pastel or QuickBooks to 4invoices
What to keep, what to re-enter and how to pick a cutover date when you start issuing invoices in 4invoices. This is guidance, not an import tool.
What must a South African VAT tax invoice contain?
The details a VAT vendor must show on a full tax invoice, when an abridged tax invoice is enough, and when the invoice must be issued.
Tax & Payroll
VAT at 15%, the VAT201 return cycle and PAYE / UIF / SDL payroll obligations through SARS eFiling.
VAT at 15% in South Africa
The standard VAT rate, the difference between zero-rated and exempt supplies, and how each appears on a tax invoice.
The VAT201 return and SARS eFiling
How often a South African VAT vendor files a VAT201, when it is due, and which records you need from your invoices.
PAYE, UIF and SDL for South African employers
A short overview of the three employer payroll obligations and the monthly EMP201 declaration. 4invoices does not do payroll.
How do credit and debit notes work for VAT in South Africa?
When a vendor must issue a credit note or a debit note under section 21 of the VAT Act, and what the document must show.
How do you convert VAT-inclusive prices to VAT-exclusive amounts?
The formulas for 15% VAT in both directions, with worked examples in rand.
Business & Cross-Border
SADC cross-border trade and B-BBEE compliance considerations for invoicing.