South Africa tax invoice requirements: full and abridged invoices
SARS requires a full tax invoice for supplies above R5,000 and allows an abridged invoice between R50 and R5,000. The fields differ, and missing ones can cost the customer its input tax.
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"South Africa invoice requirements" and "south african invoice template" lead Google's suggestions after "South Africa invoice". The template is easy; the fields decide whether it counts.
Thresholds
| Supply value | Invoice |
|---|---|
| Above R5,000 | Full tax invoice |
| R50 to R5,000 | Abridged tax invoice |
| Below R50 | No tax invoice required |
Full tax invoice fields
- The words "tax invoice".
- Supplier's name, address and VAT number.
- Recipient's name, address and VAT number.
- Serial number and date.
- Description of goods or services.
- Quantity or volume.
- Value of the supply and VAT charged.
Timing
Issue within 21 days of the supply.
Foreign customers
Exported services that are zero rated still need correct invoices. Invoices in another currency show the VAT in rand, or the exchange rate used, where VAT applies.
Payment details
Put the details the customer can use. Foreign customers usually pay by SWIFT to your South African bank.
Paying into South Africa: the local rail
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Local rail | Real-time clearing (RTC) and PayShap for instant transfers; EFT for batch payments |
| Run by | BankservAfrica |
| Settlement | RTC and PayShap in seconds; EFT within one to two business days |
Source: BankservAfrica. Checked when this guide was last updated; the scheme's own page has the current figures.
Where Rivet fits
South African exchange control decides whether a South African company may hold proceeds abroad, so Rivet does not pitch offshore accounts to South African-registered companies. Rivet serves registered companies in supported countries, including foreign companies owned by South African founders where eligible. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds. See how to invoice international clients.
Questions people ask
What must a South African tax invoice include?
For a full invoice: "tax invoice", supplier and recipient names, addresses and VAT numbers, serial number, date, description, quantity or volume, value, and VAT charged.
What is an abridged tax invoice?
A shorter invoice for supplies from R50 to R5,000 that omits the recipient's details.
When must I issue a tax invoice?
Within 21 days of the date of supply.
Can I invoice in dollars?
Yes. Show the VAT in rand, or the exchange rate used, if VAT applies.
Sources
Alexia compares the accounts, cards and payment tools companies weigh before they switch, and writes Rivet's market guides for founders in a specific country. Prices in Alexia's comparisons come from each provider's own pricing page on the date given in the article, rules come from the regulator or tax authority that sets them, and every source is listed at the end.
More from Alexia M. →This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and fees change; check the sources above and the provider’s current terms before you act on them.
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