How to Claim Your VAT Refund
Follow the steps below to successfully claim your VAT refund through the VAT Refund Agency. Please ensure all documents are legible and certified by a Commissioner of Oaths where indicated.
Required Documents Checklist
The following documents are required for all VAT refund claims:
- Original Tax Invoices Stamped by Customs Before Departure – Ensure all tax invoices are properly stamped.
- If Purchase Amount Exceeds R5,000 – Your name, surname, and address must be on the invoice.
- Proof of Payment – Required if the total purchase amount is more than R10,000 inclusive of VAT.
- Bank Details and Bank Address – Provide complete bank information.
- Your Physical Address – Current residential address.
- Copy of Your Passport – Clear copy of your passport.
- Entry and Exit Stamps – Stamps from your travel documents.
- Travellers Declaration TRD1 – Completed TRD1 form.
Postal Claim for Individuals
For postal claims, please provide:
- Completed Postal Claim Form – Fill out and include the postal claim form.
Claim by Companies
In addition to the required documents checklist, companies should provide:
- Completed Claim Form – Fill out and include the official claim form.
- Copy of the Authorized Person's Passport – Including pages showing name, passport number, and nationality.
- Authorized Person's Full Residential Address – Complete residential address of the authorized individual.
- Signed POPI Consent Form – Protection of Personal Information Act 2013 compliance.
- Copy of the Company's Trading License or Similar Documentation – Proof of business operations in the export country.
- Letter of Authorization – Authorizing the representative to act on behalf of the company.
- Proof of Payment to VAT Vendor – Documentation showing payment has been made.
- Bank Details:
- Currency
- Bank Name
- Bank Account Number
- Bank SWIFT Code
- Verified Copy of the Tax Invoice or Invoice from the Company's Cartage Contractor – Ensure invoices are verified.
- Certified Copies of Relevant Documentation for Movable Goods – All certified by a Commissioner of Oaths.
- Goods Received Note Issued by the Cartage Contractor – Proof that goods have been received.
- Delivery Notes from the Cartage Contractor – Documentation of deliveries.
- Certified Proof of Delivery Issued by the Cartage Contractor – Confirming receipt by the recipient in the export country.
- Vendor Tax Invoice Signed and Stamped by the Cartage Contractor – Official vendor documentation.
- Proof of Delivery Stamped and Signed by the Recipient's Appointed Representative – Confirming delivery.
- Delivery Note Signed by the Recipient – Final proof of delivery.
- Customs Official Release Documentation (TRD1, SAD500, or CND2) – Required customs documentation.
- Copy of the Authorized Person's Passport Showing Entry into the Republic – Verification of entry.
- Entry and Exit Border Stamps – From travel documents.
- Travellers Declaration TRD1 – Completed TRD1 form.
Claim for Vehicles
To claim VAT refund for vehicles, please provide:
- Vehicle Registration Documents for South Africa and Home Country – Official registration documents.
- Verified Copy of the Tax Invoice or Invoice from the Cartage Contractor – Ensure invoices are verified.
- Certified Copies of Relevant Documentation for Movable Goods – All certified by a Commissioner of Oaths.
- Goods Received Note Issued by the Cartage Contractor – Proof that goods have been received.
- Delivery Notes from the Cartage Contractor – Documentation of deliveries.
- Certified Proof of Delivery Issued by the Cartage Contractor – Confirming receipt by the recipient in the export country.
- Vendor Tax Invoice Signed and Stamped by the Cartage Contractor – Official vendor documentation.
- Proof of Delivery Stamped and Signed by the Recipient's Appointed Representative – Confirming delivery.
- Delivery Note Signed by the Recipient – Final proof of delivery.
- Customs Official Release Documentation (TRD1, SAD500, or CND2) – Required customs documentation.
- Bank Details and Bank Address – Complete bank information.
- Your Physical Address – Current residential address.
- Copy of Your Passport – Clear copy of your passport.
- Entry and Exit Stamps – Stamps from your travel documents.
VOC (Voucher of Correction)
A Voucher of Correction (VOC) is required if any details on the SAD500 are incorrectly stated (e.g., Exporter as vendor, invoice details, amounts, etc.). The VOC ensures that all necessary corrections are officially documented and accepted by the relevant authorities.
Note: All copies must be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths where indicated.