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Basic VAT Short Course

VAT is one of the biggest risk areas for businesses, and most mistakes happen at basic level. This short course gives you a clear, practical foundation so you can work with VAT confidently and correctly.

6 CPD units 20 March 2026 1 presenter

What will set you apart

By completing this course you will gain the following competencies

  • What VAT really is and how it works in practice
  • Who must register for VAT and when registration is required
  • The difference between standard-rated, zero-rated, and exempt supplies
  • How output VAT and input VAT work
  • What can and cannot be claimed as input VAT
  • How to correctly calculate VAT payable or refundable
  • Common VAT mistakes that lead to penalties
  • How to confidently handle basic VAT queries from clients or employers

Event breakdown

  • What VAT is and why it exists
  • Who must register for VAT
  • VAT registration thresholds and requirements
  • Standard-rated, zero-rated, and exempt supplies
  • Output VAT explained
  • Input VAT explained
  • What input VAT may not be claimed
  • Calculating VAT payable or refundable
  • Common VAT errors and risk areas
Category: TaxationType: Short CourseCPD category: Tax

Description

VAT is often seen as complicated, but most problems come from misunderstanding the basics. This short course is designed to give accountants, bookkeepers, and business professionals a solid, practical understanding of VAT in South Africa. The focus is on how VAT works in real life, not legislation overload. Delegates will learn how VAT applies to everyday transactions, how to correctly calculate VAT, and how to avoid common errors that trigger audits and penalties. The course explains VAT concepts in simple language and links them directly to day-to-day work. By the end of the course, delegates will feel more confident working with VAT, reviewing VAT returns, and identifying basic VAT risks before they become costly problems.

Presenters

Eszter Rapanos

Eszter Rapanos — Eszter Rapanos is a Chartered Accountant (SA) with extensive experience in auditing, quality assurance and the public sector. She began her career at the Auditor-General South Africa and has worked on projects involving organisations such as the European Union, World Bank, GIZ and KfW. She has also held senior roles in audit, training and quality control within accounting firms. At CIBA, Eszter leads quality assurance and public sector initiatives, drawing on her strong technical, regulatory and professional experience.

You will earn a certificate

On successful completion you will receive a certificate for 6 CPD units in Tax.

Requirements

  • Laptop, desktop, or mobile device with internet access
  • Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox browser