VAT returns, filed every period.

A South African company must register for VAT once its taxable turnover passes R2.3 million in any 12-month period. That compulsory threshold rose from R1 million on 1 April 2026. Below it, registration is voluntary, available once your turnover passes R120 000. Govchain prepares, reviews, and files every VAT201 return once you are registered.

Once you are registered for VAT, SARS wants a VAT201 every period, and a missed deadline means a 10% penalty plus monthly interest. Govchain files it for you, with a qualified tax practitioner reviewing every return before it goes to SARS. R2 000 a month, flat.

Not VAT-registered yet?Register for VAT
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Get VAT off your desk.

VAT is where most small companies pick up SARS penalties. We handle the whole process so you don't.

Never miss a deadline

SARS adds a 10% penalty the day after your VAT201 is late, and interest keeps accruing every month it stays unfiled. We track your category and file in time, every period.

Reviewed by a tax practitioner

A qualified tax practitioner prepares and checks every return before it goes to SARS eFiling.

No accounting software

No Xero, Sage, or QuickBooks subscription needed. Upload your bank statements and we take it from there.

Claim your input VAT

We pull claimable input VAT out of your invoices and bank transactions so you get back what you are owed.

Three ways to file VAT.

DIY eFiling takes hours and the rules keep changing. An accountant bills by the hour. Govchain is a flat monthly fee with a tax practitioner doing the work.

DIY eFiling
Fixed monthly price
Tax practitioner reviews every return
Submits VAT201 to SARS for you
Month-to-month, no retainer
Accountant
Fixed monthly price
Tax practitioner reviews every return
Submits VAT201 to SARS for you
Month-to-month, no retainer
Govchain
Fixed monthly price
Tax practitioner reviews every return
Submits VAT201 to SARS for you
Month-to-month, no retainer

What's in the monthly fee.

Deadlines tracked. Transactions tagged. VAT201 submitted. A tax practitioner checks the numbers before SARS sees them.

Benefits

VAT deadline tracking

We know your VAT category (A, B, or C) and send reminders well before each SARS deadline, so there's time to gather whatever we need from you.
Benefits

Bank statement import

Connect your business bank account or upload a PDF statement. Every transaction lands in Govchain automatically.
Benefits

Automatic VAT classification

Each transaction gets tagged with the right VAT rate: standard, zero-rated, or exempt. Your input and output VAT add up correctly without you doing it by hand.
Benefits

Input and output VAT calculation

We reconcile sales and purchases, work out what you can claim, and tell you what you owe SARS (or what SARS owes you).
Benefits

VAT201 submission to SARS

A registered tax practitioner submits your return on SARS eFiling. You get the confirmation and a copy for your records.
Benefits

Expert review before filing

A qualified tax practitioner looks at every return before it goes out. If a number looks off, we flag it before SARS sees it.
Benefits

Secure document storage

Invoices, receipts, bank statements, filed returns. All kept in one place for when SARS or your auditor asks.
Benefits

Catch up on overdue returns

Behind on VAT? We can file your outstanding periods and respond to SARS on your behalf.
Benefits

Access to a tax expert

Question about input VAT on a specific purchase, zero-rated supplies, or a SARS letter? Chat to a real tax practitioner.

One monthly fee.

R2 000 a month covers preparation, expert review, and SARS submission. No hourly billing. No surprise invoices.

Govchain VAT Returns

R2 000/month

Covers VAT201 preparation, review, and submission for every SARS period.

  • VAT201 prepared and filed on SARS eFiling
  • Every return reviewed by a qualified tax practitioner
  • VAT deadlines tracked automatically
  • Bank statements imported, transactions tagged for you
  • Input and output VAT calculated
  • Invoices, receipts, and filed returns stored securely
  • Chat to a tax practitioner when you need to
  • Month-to-month, cancel anytime
Get started

Not VAT-registered yet?

We register your company for VAT with SARS as a once-off R2 970 service. Once SARS issues your VAT number, move onto the monthly plan.

Here’s why small business owners Govchain

Govchain has helped over 124,000 small business owners in South Africa simplify starting their businesses and staying compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions we get asked about VAT filing and the subscription.

Who needs to file VAT returns in South Africa?
Any company with taxable turnover above R2.3 million in a 12-month period has to register for VAT. Companies with turnover above R50,000 can register voluntarily. Once you are registered, you file a VAT201 every period, even when you had no sales.
How often must I file a VAT return?
It depends on your SARS VAT category. Category A and B file every two months on alternating cycles. Category C files monthly and applies to businesses with turnover above R30 million. Category D and E are less common (farming and fixed periods). We handle all categories.
How do I get my transactions into Govchain?
Connect your business bank account for daily sync, or upload statements directly. We auto-tag every transaction with the right VAT rate, so there is almost nothing for you to capture manually.
Can I cancel at any time?
Yes. Month-to-month, no long-term contract. Cancel anytime and you keep access until the end of your current billing period.
How long does a VAT return take to file?
Once your transactions are in Govchain, most returns are prepared, reviewed, and filed within 3 to 5 working days of period end. That is well before the SARS deadline.

Get VAT off your to-do list.

R2 000 a month. Cancel anytime. We prepare, review, and file every VAT201 with SARS on your behalf.

Last reviewed: 12 May 2026. Govchain reviews this page against current SARS VAT rules every quarter.