So the VAT rate didn’t change this year, after all. But will it? The dangers of inherited knowledge.  What to do when SARS reverses your refunds and refers you to their fraud unit?  There was a collective wave of shock when the Minister of Finance announced the Government’s plan to up the VAT rate in his March budget speech.

To 15.5% effective on 1 May 2025 and then, another .5% effective on 1 April 2026 – thus bringing the VAT rate to 16% on 1 April 2026 . In an attempt to “soften the blow” the announcement was made that the list of zero rated foodstuffs would be largely widened. So while vendors geared up, and changed their system programmes, nothing transpired. But will the VAT rate change? And if it does, how do you deal with charging VAT on contracts entered into under the old VAT rate?

And what does this proposed wide list of zero rated foodstuffs consist of? Then, so often I find with staff dealing with VAT, the issue of “inherited knowledge” – this is when VAT is dealt with in a certain way, because it was taught to someone by a previous person. Often I’ve heard “We’ve always done it this way” – and then the way isn’t necessarily correct. Are you confident that your VAT is, in fact , dealt with 100% correctly?

There are also so many issues with the VAT verification letters: many new VAT vendors are finding their refunds being reversed on the basis that they are not operating an enterprise, and their audit is referred to SARS’ fraud unit! What are your rights if this happens to you? In the VAT Masterclass, I ’ll be dealing with VAT as a whole – from registration through to the charging rules, lists of zero rated and exempt items, to input tax, the vat return and of course the audits and disputes. So you can be sure you’re dealing with VAT correctly. I’ll also share what to do in the shocking situation where SARS reverses your refunds and refers you to their fraud unit! 

We’re offering 12 CPD points in Centurion, so get your VAT confidence back and be able to deal with other VAT issues, by attending the VAT Masterclass.

At the early discounted rate of R6 300 for the 2 days, you’ll wonder why you never attended sooner. There are discounts for group bookings, too.