SARS: New Vat Registration Process

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is pleased to announce the introduction of a vastly simplified and streamlined VAT registration process which comes into effect today.

The new VAT registration significantly reduces the paperwork required for registration and provides for the instant issuing of VAT registration numbers over the counter at SARS branches.

The new application form has been reduced from a seven page document to four pages, with a reduction in the number of supporting documents accompanying the registration form from a previous maximum of 12 to only two key documents – copy of ID and proof of banking details.

SARS has been working hard to reduce the administrative burden for business in line with government’s efforts to encourage the growth and development of small business. This also forms part of ongoing work to streamline all SARS processes and enhance efficiency for taxpayers.

The new VAT 101 registration form along with guidelines for its completion are available at any SARS branch or from http://www.sars.gov.za/. To allow for a transition to the new process, SARS will still accept the old forms and process them according to the new Standard Operating Procedure until 31 March 2008.