Good day Lindiwe

I would like to get your view on the issue of VAT and how it is applied to small businesses. I recently started a import and export business. I have found a retailer that is ready to list my product with their company but due to the capacity of this company. I must have a VAT number with this said I was told by an employees of SARS that I dont qualify and will not receive it even for the fact that I opted for self registration. The requirement is endless and a standard that is impossible to reach for a start up business. So I was told to not pursue running with the Giants but work with the smaller shops( and there is nothing wrong with that) But why ?when there is a big corporate who desires to do business with a small company like mine.

My question here is why is there no provision made for small businesses like mine for opportunities like these or when the opportunity arrives to be able to apply for a VAT number and to do business on a big scale even in a start-up business? I would really like to hear your views on the subject and to start a conversation about and /or what can be done about it