About this calculator
Excl. = Total ÷ 1.15. VAT = Total − Excl.
If you only have a VAT-inclusive total — for example, a till slip or a quoted shelf price — you sometimes need to work backwards to find the VAT-exclusive amount and the VAT portion. This reverse VAT calculator does that instantly using the South African standard rate of 15%.
The formulas are: Excl. VAT = Total ÷ 1.15, and VAT = Total − Excl. VAT. Dividing by 1.15 works because the inclusive total represents 115% of the original price (100% goods + 15% VAT). Multiplying the inclusive total by 15/115 (or roughly 0.130435) gives the same VAT figure.
Reverse VAT calculations are useful when you're capturing supplier invoices that only show the inclusive total, when you're reconciling till slips, or when you need to issue a credit note. Always cross-check the result against the supplier's tax invoice — the VAT amount on the invoice is the figure SARS expects you to claim as input VAT.
How to use it
- 1Enter the VAT-inclusive total. The amount you actually paid or were quoted.
- 2Read the exclusive amount. The price before VAT.
- 3Read the VAT portion. The amount of VAT included in the total.