Vat: The difference between standard-rated, zero-rated and exempt supplies

There are three categories of supplies that can be made by a VAT vendor: standard-rated, zero-rated and exempt supplies. Output tax must be levied on all supplies except exempt supplies. The VAT Act gives specific guidelines for zero-rated and exempt supplies but these fall outside the scope of this article. Please contact your tax practitioner for more information.

The following simplified formula is used to calculate the amount of VAT that a registered VAT vendor have to pay to SARS or can claim as a refund from SARS:

Output VAT levied on standard-rated and zero-rated supplies* – Input VAT claimed on

qualifying expenses = Net VAT due to/(refundable by) SARS

* A supply is defined as the provision of a product or service by a VAT vendor in return for payment in cash or otherwise.

Standard-rated supplies

Standard-rated supplies are supplies of goods and services on which output VAT is levied at a rate of 14%. The input VAT incurred on purchases of goods and services to generate standard-rated supplies can be deducted from output VAT payable to SARS.

Example 1:

a. XYZ Manufacturers manufactured inventories at a cost of R7 000 (VAT included).

b. The inventories were sold for R10 000 (VAT included).

c. All inventory sales qualify as standard-rated supplies.

Net VAT due to/(refundable by) SARS will be calculated as follows:

Zero-rated supplies

Zero-rated supplies are supplies of goods and services on which output VAT is levied at a rate of 0%. The input VAT incurred on the purchase of goods and services to generate zero-rated supplies can be claimed against output VAT payable to SARS.

Example 2:

a. XYZ Manufacturers manufactured inventories at a cost of R7 000 (VAT included).

b. The inventories were sold for R10 000 (VAT included).

c. All inventory sales qualify as zero-rated supplies.

Net VAT due to/(refundable by) SARS will be calculated as follows:

Exempt supplies

Exempt supplies are not subject to VAT. No output VAT, either at 14% or at 0%, is levied on exempt supplies. Input VAT incurred on expenses to make exempt supplies cannot be claimed against output VAT due to SARS.

Example 3:

a. XYZ Manufacturers manufactured inventories at a cost of R7 000 (VAT included).

b. The inventories were sold for R10 000.

c. All inventory sales are exempt supplies for VAT purposes.

Net VAT due to/(refundable by) SARS will be calculated as follows:

Combination of standard-rated, zero-rated and exempt supplies

Where a VAT vendor makes standard-rated supplies and/or zero-rated supplies and/or exempt supplies, input VAT must be apportioned in the same ratio as the three different types of supplies stand to each other.

Example 4:

a. ABC Distributors made the following supplies for VAT purposes (VAT included where applicable):

b. Expenses incurred in the making of total supplies amounted to R85 000 (VAT included).

Net VAT due to/(refundable by) SARS will be calculated as follows:

Accounting software can be set up so that VAT is automatically recorded correctly for standard transactions. However, a computer programme will not be able to classify unique transactions for VAT purposes. Therefore it is still important that accounting staff is trained to handle VAT correctly, especially where grey areas exist.

If you would like more information about this topic, feel free to contact us for professional assistance and advice.

Reference List:

• VAT 404 – SARS Guide for Vendors

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your financial adviser for specific and detailed advice.