In plain English
Once you're VAT registered, you submit a VAT201 return to SARS for every VAT period, usually every two months. The return shows the VAT you charged your customers (output VAT) minus the VAT you paid on business expenses (input VAT). If you charged more than you paid, you pay the difference to SARS. If you paid more, SARS owes you a refund. A VAT reconciliation checks that these numbers agree with your books, so there are no nasty surprises if SARS asks questions.
What's included
What we take care of
VAT201 preparation
Your return is calculated from your up-to-date books, not guesswork.
On-time submission
Returns are submitted on eFiling before the deadline, with a reminder to pay if VAT is due.
Output and input VAT checks
We check that VAT was charged correctly and that every claim is backed by a valid tax invoice.
VAT reconciliations
Your VAT201 figures are reconciled to your general ledger, sales and purchases.
Import VAT
VAT paid at customs on imported goods is tracked and claimed correctly.
Refund follow-ups
If SARS owes you money, we help with any verification needed to get it released.
Is this for you?
You probably need this if…
- You're VAT registered and doing your own returns in a rush
- You're not sure you're claiming all the input VAT you're allowed to
- SARS has sent a letter asking for supporting documents
- You've had penalties or interest for late returns
- Your VAT refunds are stuck
How it works
Simple from start to finish
Books up to date
We make sure all sales and expenses for the period are captured.
Reconcile and review
VAT is reconciled to your books and any problems are sorted out.
You approve
We send you the figures and the amount payable or refundable.
Submitted on time
The VAT201 is submitted on eFiling and we keep the working papers on file.
Checklist
What we'll need from you
Don't worry if you don't have everything yet. We'll help you find what's missing.
- Sales invoices for the period
- Supplier tax invoices
- Bank statements
- Customs release documents for imports (if any)
- Credit notes issued or received
- eFiling access (we'll help set this up)
FAQ
Common questions
How often do I submit a VAT201?
Most small businesses submit every two months, while larger businesses usually submit monthly. SARS sets your category when you register.
When is the VAT201 due?
Returns and payments made on eFiling are generally due by the last business day of the month after your VAT period ends. We'll keep track of your exact dates.
What makes a tax invoice valid?
It needs specific details, such as the words 'Tax Invoice', the supplier's VAT number and the VAT amount. Without a valid tax invoice you can't claim the input VAT, so we check this for you.