🏷️ VAT Calculator

Add or remove VAT from any price instantly. Works with any VAT or sales tax rate — for businesses, freelancers, and everyday use worldwide.

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VAT Rates by Country

CountryStandard RateReduced Rate
🇿🇦 South Africa15%0% (basic foods)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom20%5% (home energy, children's car seats)
🇩🇪 Germany19%7% (food, books, transport)
🇫🇷 France20%5.5% (food) / 10% (restaurants)
🇦🇺 Australia (GST)10%0% (fresh food, medical)
🇨🇦 Canada (GST)5%Varies by province (HST/PST)
🇸🇪 Sweden25%12% (food) / 6% (books, transport)
🇮🇳 India (GST)18%5% / 12% (various categories)
🇺🇸 USANo federal VATState sales tax 0–13% varies

Adding VAT vs Removing VAT — The Key Difference

When you add VAT to a price, you multiply by (1 + rate/100). Adding 20% VAT to £100: £100 × 1.20 = £120. The VAT amount is £20.

When you remove VAT from a VAT-inclusive price, you divide by (1 + rate/100). Removing 20% VAT from £120: £120 ÷ 1.20 = £100 ex-VAT. Do not just subtract 20% from the inclusive price — £120 × 0.80 = £96, which is wrong. Division is the correct method.

When Businesses Need to Charge VAT

In the UK, businesses with taxable turnover exceeding £90,000 in a rolling 12-month period must register for VAT and charge it on taxable sales. In South Africa, the threshold is R1,000,000 in taxable supplies. In the EU, thresholds vary by member state but are typically €35,000-85,000. Registered businesses can reclaim VAT paid on business purchases, making VAT broadly neutral for registered companies but a real cost for unregistered consumers and businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add VAT to a price? +
Multiply the ex-VAT price by (1 + rate/100). For 15% VAT on R200: 200 × 1.15 = R230 inclusive. VAT amount = R30. Never add the percentage directly (200 + 15 = 215) — always use the multiplication method.
How do I remove VAT from a VAT-inclusive price? +
Divide the inclusive price by (1 + rate/100). For 20% VAT on £120: 120 ÷ 1.20 = £100 ex-VAT. VAT = £20. Common mistake: subtracting 20% from £120 gives £96, not £100. Always divide — do not subtract the percentage.
What is the difference between VAT and sales tax? +
VAT (Value Added Tax) is collected at each stage of the supply chain — manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers all collect and remit VAT, but can reclaim VAT paid to their suppliers. Only the final consumer bears the full cost. Sales tax (used in the US) is only collected once, at the point of final sale to the consumer. The economic effect is similar, but the administration differs significantly.
Is VAT charged on services? +
Yes, in most countries VAT applies to both goods and services sold by registered businesses. In South Africa, most professional services (consulting, legal, accounting, design, IT) are subject to 15% VAT when provided by a VAT-registered supplier. Some services are exempt or zero-rated — including certain financial services, educational services, and residential rental income.