Bookkeeping and accounting tools, and what to check about VAT, bank feeds and your accountant before you choose.
If you’re a VAT vendor, your software must produce tax invoices with the details SARS requires and handle the 15% standard rate (verified against SARS on 16 October 2026).
Automatic bank feeds save a lot of time. Confirm the software supports your specific bank.
If you work with an accountant or bookkeeper, ask which software they use. Sharing access is much easier when you use the same system.
Many global tools bill in US dollars or euros, so the rand cost moves with the exchange rate, and your bank may add foreign-transaction fees. Check the currency on the vendor’s pricing page before you commit.
We don’t rank these or call any one of them the best. Each note explains which situations the tool may suit, based on its profile. The details are in each profile, where verified and unverified information is labelled.
May suit small businesses that want accounting software with a dedicated South African site. Many local accountants and bookkeepers are familiar with Sage products.
South Africa note: Sage has a dedicated South African site. Many local accountants and bookkeepers are familiar with Sage products.
Free plan: Not yet verified · Pricing: not yet verified · Not yet reviewed
May suit small and mid-size businesses that want cloud accounting with an app marketplace and Zapier connections. Xero has a South African website and pricing page.
South Africa note: Xero has a South African website and pricing page. Check bank-feed support for your bank before you commit.
Free plan: Not yet verified · Pricing: not yet verified · Not yet reviewed
Availability and features differ by country, so check that QuickBooks Online is offered for South African businesses before you choose it.
South Africa note: Availability and features differ by country. Verify that QuickBooks is offered for South African businesses before choosing it.
Free plan: Not yet verified · Pricing: not yet verified · Not yet reviewed
Add or remove VAT, or work back from a VAT amount. Shows net, VAT and total, with South Africa’s 15% as the default rate.
Build a simple profit and loss statement: gross profit, operating profit, net profit and margins.
Total an invoice with quantities, line and invoice discounts, VAT-inclusive or exclusive prices, and deposits.
How to choose invoicing software in South Africa: tax invoices, the R2.3 million VAT registration threshold, bank feeds, and when a free generator is enough.
What VAT is, who charges it, output and input tax, zero-rated vs exempt supplies, and what it means for your prices — with a worked example.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Laws, tax rates and regulations change. Check official sources, such as SARS, the Information Regulator and the relevant Acts, or ask a qualified professional before you make decisions. Tool details come from each tool’s ToolTarvern profile and may have changed. Check the vendor’s own site.