Invoice example South Africa: 3 filled-in samples (2026)

Quick answer

A South African invoice shows your name and contact details, the client's details, a unique sequential number, the date, a description of the work, the amount in rand and how to pay. Only VAT vendors may write 'Tax invoice' and add 15% VAT, plus their VAT number.

Example 1: freelancer not registered for VAT

• Heading: INVOICE (not 'Tax invoice')
• From: Thandi Mokoena, Johannesburg, thandi@example.co.za
• To: Bright Bakery (Pty) Ltd, Soweto
• Invoice no. INV-0042, date 1 October 2026, due 15 October 2026
• Logo design, 3 concepts and 2 revision rounds: R4,500.00
• Total due: R4,500.00. No VAT charged: supplier not registered for VAT
• Pay by EFT to FNB, account 62xxxxxxxx, reference INV-0042

Example 2: VAT vendor tax invoice

• Heading: TAX INVOICE
• Supplier VAT no. 4xxxxxxxxx and the client's VAT number if the total is over R5,000
• Website build: R20,000.00
• VAT at 15%: R3,000.00
• Total incl. VAT: R23,000.00
• Same numbering, due date and banking details as above

Example 3: invoice after a deposit

• Project total: R12,000.00
• Less deposit received 5 September (receipt RC-0017): −R6,000.00
• Balance due: R6,000.00 within 7 days
• Reference the original quote number so the client can match it

Common mistakes in examples online

• Adding VAT when you're not registered
• Restarting invoice numbers each year or skipping numbers
• Missing the client's details
• No due date, so the client pays 'whenever'

Make your own in two minutes

Use the free invoice generator to fill in your details and save a PDF. The Starter Kit adds the editable templates, credit notes, statements and the tracker.