---
title: "Create a Sales Invoice with VAT"
space: "SA End-User Guide"
url: "https://product.cohenix.cloud/sa-user-guide/working-with-vat/sales-invoice-vat"
updated: "2026-06-14"
---

# Create a Sales Invoice with VAT

**Goal:** raise a sales invoice that applies South African VAT correctly and can be issued as a compliant tax invoice.

## Steps

1. **New Sales Invoice.** SA VAT workspace (or search "Sales Invoice") → **New**.
2. **Customer.** Pick the customer. Their VAT details (captured on the customer master) determine whether you issue a full or abridged tax invoice.
3. **Add items.** Add each line item and quantity. The item's **VAT category** drives the rate that applies (standard 15%, zero-rated, or exempt).
4. **Choose the tax template.** In *Taxes and Charges*, select the matching template — e.g. **SA Standard Rated Sales 15%**, **SA Zero Rated Sales 0%**, or an export/exempt template. The default template auto-applies; change it if the supply differs.
5. **Check the VAT line.** Confirm VAT is calculated (15% for standard supplies) and the **grand total** is VAT-inclusive.
6. **Save**, then **Submit** when the invoice is final.

## What the system does for you

The South African invoice logic calculates the VAT and records the **classification** (standard output, zero-rated, exempt, etc.) that the VAT201 return later picks up. You don't classify it again at return time — keeping the item categories and templates correct here is what makes the VAT201 accurate.

## Mixed-rate invoices

If a single invoice has lines at different rates (e.g. some standard, some zero-rated), use **Item Tax Templates** on the affected lines, or split into separate invoices. Keep line-level tax consistent with each item's VAT category to avoid "needs review" rows on the VAT201.

## After submitting

- **Print/issue the tax invoice** — see [Tax Invoices, Credit & Debit Notes](tax-invoices-credit-notes).
- The invoice now feeds the period's [VAT201 Return](vat201-return).
- **Don't delete** a submitted invoice — the system blocks deletion to protect the SARS audit trail. To reverse it, issue a **credit note** (cancel/return), not a delete.

## Check

- VAT amount and rate are correct for the supply.
- Customer and item details are right (they appear on the tax invoice).
- Status is **Submitted**.

## Next

Issue the document: [Tax Invoices, Credit & Debit Notes](tax-invoices-credit-notes).