Regulatory updates - South Africa

On August 17, 2026, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) released its VAT Modernisation Consultation Paper for public comment. Building on the VAT Modernisation Discussion Paper published in 2023, the consultation outlines a proposed Digital VAT Model designed to modernise VAT administration through digital technologies and transaction-level reporting.

Proposed Digital VAT Model

The consultation proposes a framework combining e‑invoicing, an Interoperability Framework, and e‑reporting to enable the secure and structured exchange of VAT transaction data. The model is intended to support near real-time visibility of VAT transactions while reducing manual processes and strengthening compliance oversight.

According to SARS, the proposed approach would shift VAT administration from retrospective verification toward a system where compliance is embedded within business processes and technology platforms already used by taxpayers.

Implementation approach

SARS has emphasised that the proposal remains in the consultation phase and will be implemented through a phased and collaborative approach. Stakeholder feedback will be used to shape policy decisions, technical design, implementation sequencing, governance arrangements, standards, safeguards, and readiness requirements.

SARS has invited taxpayers, businesses, technology providers, industry groups, and other interested stakeholders to review the Consultation Paper and submit written comments by October 16, 2026. 

On April 1, 2026, the Tax Administration Laws Amendment Act, 2026 (Amendment Act) was published in the Government Gazette No. 54447, amending the Value-Added Tax Act No. 89 of 1991 (VAT Act). Among the changes introduced by the Amendment Act is a legislative framework for e-invoicing and voluntary e-reporting.  

South Africa has been working toward the introduction of an e-invoicing and digital VAT reporting regime as part of a broader tax modernization agenda led by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), through its VAT Modernization Project. The Amendment Act is part of a multi-year legislative process, including the publication of the 2025 Draft Tax Administration Laws Amendment Bill, which was open for public comment until September 2025. 

The Amendment Act has introduced legal definitions for e-invoicing and e-reporting: 

E-invoice, e-debit note, and e-credit note 

These terms refer to a tax invoice, debit note, or credit note (as contemplated in section 21 of the VAT Act) that is issued, transmitted, and received in a structured electronic format enabling automatic electronic processing, subject to further requirements prescribed by the Minister by Regulation. 

E-reporting 

Defined to mean the electronic submission of tax data extracted from an e-invoice, e-debit note, or e-credit note to:  

• SARS;  

• The supplier or their service provider; and 

• The recipient or their service provider, where applicable, within the interoperability framework and in the manner prescribed by the Minister. 

Participation in the e-reporting system is voluntary.  

Interoperability framework  

SARS will implement a decentralized CTC model supporting interoperability between service providers. Interoperablity framework has been defined as a decentralized network of service providers within which e-invoices, e-debit notes, and e-credit notes are exchanged, facilitating clearance and interoperability between supplier and recipient, subject to further regulatory requirements. 

The amendments apply to VAT-registered vendors. Implementation details and administration of the system will be confirmed through pending ministerial regulations. 

South Africa is preparing for a significant shift in VAT administration as part of the South African Revenue Service’s (SARS) long‑term VAT Modernisation programme. Although a formal e‑invoicing mandate has not yet been enacted, recent strategic publications and stakeholder discussions confirm that structured e-invoicing and enhanced VAT reporting are central to SARS’s future operating model.

Strategic direction

SARS first outlined its intent to modernise VAT administration in 2023 through the VAT Modernisation Discussion Paper. This direction has since been reinforced by the SARS Modernization Whitepaper 3.0, the Strategic Plan 2025/26–2029/30, the Annual Performance Plan 2025/26, and the Mid‑Term Progress Report 2020–2025. Across these documents, e‑invoicing is positioned as a foundational reform to improve VAT visibility, reduce fraud, and strengthen revenue collection.

Expected VAT compliance model

Draft proposals and stakeholder engagement indicate that South Africa’s future VAT framework will rely on structured e-invoices and near real‑time transmission of transaction data to SARS. Compliance monitoring is expected to move from periodic VAT returns toward transaction‑level controls, supported by automated cross‑checks and data analytics.

The emerging model is expected to support interoperability through decentralised service providers, enabling compliant invoice exchange between businesses while ensuring consistent data reporting to SARS.

Timeline

While indicative timelines discussed by stakeholders reference phased implementation from 2028, this remains subject to confirmation through formal legislation and technical guidance.