VAT201
Quick Answer
What is VAT201?
The VAT201 is the return VAT-registered businesses submit to SARS, usually every two months, declaring output VAT minus input VAT.
VAT201 explained
The VAT period category (A, B, monthly and others) determines how often you file. Payment is due with the return; eFiling submissions get slightly later deadlines than manual ones.
Who it applies to: Every registered VAT vendor.
Cost: Free to file; you pay the net VAT owed.
Related terms and guides
Official source: SARS (South African Revenue Service)
Always verify this information with official South African government sources. Rules, fees and thresholds change. Check SARS, CIPC, the Department of Employment and Labour or gov.za before you act.
About BizAnswers: BizAnswers is a privately owned South African company – not a government department. Our guides are free to read and show you how to do things yourself through official channels. If you would rather have the paperwork handled for you, we assist individuals and businesses with filing their South African tax returns and staying compliant, which is a paid service, not a free government service. Contact us for help.
Last reviewed: September 2026 by the BizAnswers editorial team. How we write and check our guides.