What payment method should I use on a South Africa B2B invoice?

Bank EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) is the standard for all B2B invoicing in South Africa. Include your bank name, account name, account number, and branch code. Instant EFT via PayShap or FNB Pay is increasingly common for same-day payments.

Do I need to include my VAT registration number on every invoice?

Only if you are VAT-registered. If registered, your VAT number must appear on every tax invoice. Non-VAT-registered businesses must not charge VAT — omit the VAT line and do not include a VAT number.

How do I invoice international clients from South Africa in USD?

Select South Africa for your defaults, then change the currency to USD. Exported services to non-resident clients are zero-rated for VAT purposes. Provide your Wise, Payoneer, or USD bank account details. Note "Zero-rated export — VAT 0%" on the invoice.

🇿🇦 South Africa · SARS VAT 15% · Bank EFT

How to Invoice Clients in South Africa

Q: What is the SARS VAT rate in South Africa?

South African Revenue Service (SARS) VAT is 15%. You must register for VAT once your taxable supplies exceed R 2.3 million in any 12-month period (effective 1 April 2026). Voluntary registration is allowed from R 120,000.

South Africa has one of the most structured invoicing environments in Africa. SARS VAT is 15%, bank EFT is universal for B2B, and the tax invoice requirements are well-defined. Here's everything you need to know.

What must appear on a South Africa invoice?

SARS distinguishes between a tax invoice (VAT-registered) and a regular invoice (non-VAT).

For VAT-registered businesses, a tax invoice must include:

The words "Tax Invoice" — required by law
Your business name, address, and VAT registration number
Client name and address
Unique invoice number — e.g. ZA-0001 (sequential)
Invoice date
Description of goods or services
Quantity and unit price
VAT amount (15%) shown separately
Total amount including VAT
Bank details for payment

Non-VAT-registered businesses use a standard invoice — omit the VAT line and VAT number.

SARS VAT — when to charge it

VAT registration is mandatory once your taxable supplies exceed R 2.3 million in any 12-month period (threshold effective 1 April 2026). Voluntary registration is permitted from R 120,000.

Once registered, you charge 15% VAT on all taxable supplies. Exported services to non-resident clients are zero-rated — you charge 0% VAT but must note this on the invoice.

SARS VAT registration: sars.gov.za → eFiling → VAT registration. You will need your income tax number and supporting documents.

Bank EFT — the standard payment method

For all B2B invoicing in South Africa, bank EFT is the expected payment method. Include:

Bank name — Absa, FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, Capitec
Account holder name — must match exactly
Account number
Branch code — or universal branch code (632005 for FNB, 051001 for Absa, etc.)

PayShap (instant interbank transfers) is increasingly used for same-day payments, especially for amounts under R 3,000. Include your PayShap-linked number if applicable.

Payment terms

Freelancers: Net 14–30 days, or 50% deposit upfront
B2B services: Net 30 days
Large corporate / government: Net 30–60 days (often 60 in practice)

South African corporates are generally reliable payers, but government departments can be slow. Build this into your cash flow planning, and always specify your payment terms clearly on the invoice.

Invoice number format for South Africa

No legally mandated format, but the recommended practice:

ZA-0001 → ZA-0002 → ZA-0003

Afrinvoice auto-generates sequential ZA-XXXX numbers and increments on each download. You can override the format at any time.

Create your South Africa invoice →

SARS VAT 15% pre-filled · Bank EFT fields · Free PDF