SARS VAT Vendor Verification
SARS VAT Vendor Search & Verification
Instantly verify if a South African supplier or contractor has a valid, active SARS VAT number before paying invoices or claiming 15% input VAT.
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Quick Action Guide
How to Check a SARS VAT Number in 30 Seconds
Official 2026 Lookup Tool
Rule 1
10-Digit Format
All legitimate SARS VAT numbers contain exactly 10 digits and start with the number 4 (e.g. 4123456789).
Rule 2
Trading Name Match
The registered legal entity returned by SARS must match the name printed on the invoice or its registered "trading as" name.
Rule 3
Section 20 Check
Invoices over R5,000 must include your own company name, physical address, and VAT registration number to be deductible.
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Verified SARS Portal
Verify a SARS VAT Vendor Directly on eFiling
Use the official SARS digital lookup service to check real-time VAT registration status and registered vendor legal names.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step-by-Step VAT Vendor Search Guide
01
Open the Official SARS VAT Vendor Search Portal
Navigate to secure.sarsefiling.co.za/vatvendorsearch.aspx or access SOQS online without needing an eFiling login.
02
Enter the 10-Digit VAT Registration Number
Input the supplier's 10-digit VAT number (South African VAT numbers strictly start with the digit '4').
03
Complete Security Captcha & Search
Click search to query live SARS VAT database records in real time.
04
Verify Registered Legal Name & Trading Name
Check that the registered name on SARS exactly matches the supplier name printed on your supplier invoice.
05
Download or Screenshot Proof for Your Audit File
Keep a copy of the verification search in your monthly accounting records to safeguard your 15% input VAT deduction during SARS audits.
SARS Compliance
Section 20 Tax Invoice Checklist
A valid VAT number alone does not guarantee your input tax deduction. Every invoice must satisfy these 6 statutory requirements:
Contains "Tax Invoice"
The words "Tax Invoice", "VAT Invoice", or "Invoice" must appear in a prominent place.
Supplier VAT Details
Supplier's registered legal/trading name, physical or postal address, and 10-digit VAT registration number.
Recipient Details (Over R5,000)
Your business legal name, address, and your own VAT number (mandatory if the invoice exceeds R5,000 incl. VAT).
Invoice Number & Date
An individual serialized invoice number and the exact date of issue.
Accurate Goods Description
A full and proper description of the goods delivered or services rendered (not generic phrases).
VAT Breakdown & Total
The consideration for the supply, the VAT amount charged (15%), or a statement that VAT is included at 15%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is verifying supplier VAT numbers crucial for businesses?
SARS disallows input tax claims if invoices are issued by deregistered, fraudulent, or non-existent VAT vendors. Claiming input tax on invalid VAT numbers leads to immediate audit assessments and understatement penalties of up to 200% under the Tax Administration Act.
How many digits is a South African VAT number?
A SARS VAT registration number is strictly a 10-digit number starting with the digit 4. If an invoice shows a number that is not 10 digits or starts with another digit, it is not a valid South African VAT number.
What is the official URL for SARS VAT vendor search?
The official free lookup portal is hosted by SARS at secure.sarsefiling.co.za/vatvendorsearch.aspx. No login or password is required to perform a search.
Can I claim input tax if the supplier registered name is different from their trading name?
Yes, provided the VAT vendor search confirms that the trading name or legal entity matches the VAT number, and the invoice meets all Section 20 requirements under the VAT Act.
What happens if a supplier charges VAT but is not VAT registered?
Charging VAT when not registered is a criminal offence under South African tax law. You may not claim 15% input tax on that invoice, and you should demand a credit note or a revised invoice without VAT.
Does My Accountant verify supplier VAT numbers during monthly bookkeeping?
Yes! Our AI Accountant and chartered accounting team audit all supplier tax invoices against Section 20 compliance and verify active VAT vendor status before submitting your bi-monthly VAT201 return.
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