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Add VAT to Invoices

Africa and International Guide

BillRyt supports VAT, GST, withholding tax, and custom tax configurations for businesses across Africa and internationally. Add your tax registration number to invoices, set rates per line item, and let BillRyt calculate everything automatically.

Key Features

VAT per line item

Apply VAT to individual line items. Mix taxable and non-taxable items on the same invoice.

Custom tax labels

Name your tax anything: VAT, GST, WHT, Levy. Set the rate. BillRyt uses it throughout.

Tax reg number on PDF

Add your KRA PIN, FIRS TIN, VAT number, or ABN in Settings. Shows on all invoices automatically.

Automatic calculation

BillRyt calculates tax per line item and shows a clear tax subtotal on the invoice and PDF.

Inclusive or exclusive

Set whether prices are tax-inclusive or tax-exclusive per workspace.

Multiple tax rates

Different line items can have different tax rates on the same invoice.

Step-by-Step Setup

1

Set workspace tax rate

Go to Settings → Workspace → Tax. Enter your default tax rate (e.g. 16% for Kenya VAT) and label (e.g. VAT).

2

Add tax registration number

In Settings → Workspace, add your KRA PIN, FIRS TIN, VAT number, or ABN. It appears on all invoices.

3

Apply tax per line item

When adding invoice line items, toggle tax on or off per item. Mix taxable and non-taxable on the same invoice.

4

Review and send

BillRyt calculates the tax total automatically. Review the invoice PDF to confirm it shows correctly, then send.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VAT rate in Nigeria?

Nigeria's VAT rate is 7.5% (as of 2020). BillRyt lets you set this as your workspace default tax rate.

What is the VAT rate in Kenya?

Kenya's VAT rate is 16%. Add this in Settings → Tax and it applies to all taxable line items automatically.

What is the VAT rate in Ghana?

Ghana's standard VAT rate is 15% plus a 2.5% NHIL levy (total 17.5%). You can configure both in BillRyt.

Can I show my KRA PIN on invoices?

Yes. Add your KRA PIN in Settings → Workspace → Tax Registration Number. It appears on all outgoing invoices.

Can I have mixed tax and non-tax line items?

Yes. Toggle tax on or off per line item. Common for mixed product/service invoices where some items are VAT-exempt.

Real-World Example

A Nairobi agency bills a mix of VAT-able services (consulting, 16% VAT) and VAT-exempt items (government training, 0%). One invoice, two different tax treatments. BillRyt handles the split automatically.

⏱ Manual VAT calculation: 5–10 minutes per invoice plus risk of errors. BillRyt: zero — calculated automatically with zero errors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying VAT to VAT-exempt items — certain goods and services are zero-rated
  • Using the wrong rate — rates change. Check with your accountant for current rates
  • Not including your tax registration number — legally required on VAT invoices in most jurisdictions
  • Treating VAT-inclusive and VAT-exclusive prices the same — always confirm with clients which applies
  • Forgetting to update the VAT rate when regulations change

More Questions Answered

What is a VAT-exempt item?

Some goods and services are zero-rated or exempt from VAT — for example, basic food items, medical supplies, and some financial services. Check with your local tax authority for your specific situation.

Can I have some line items at 0% VAT on an invoice?

Yes. In BillRyt, toggle tax on or off per line item. You can mix taxable and non-taxable items on the same invoice.

How do I show VAT inclusive vs exclusive prices?

Set your workspace preference in Settings → Tax. VAT-exclusive shows the subtotal then adds tax. VAT-inclusive shows the gross price with VAT already included.

Does BillRyt support withholding tax?

You can add custom tax rates with any label. Set it as "WHT" at the applicable rate and apply it to relevant line items.

My client is VAT-registered — do I still charge VAT?

Yes in most cases. VAT-registered businesses can reclaim the VAT they pay. Always consult your accountant for your specific situation.

Ready to Get Started?

Adding VAT to invoices works on every plan, including free. No card required to start.

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