Privacy Policy

VAT Calculator SA ("we", "us", "our") operates the website vatcalculator.co.za (the "Service"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you use the Service. We are committed to compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA) of South Africa, and where applicable, the EU/UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

1. Summary

We do not require accounts and we do not ask for your name, email, or any other directly identifying information to use the calculator. The Service uses cookies and similar technologies to serve advertising, measure traffic, and improve performance. You can control or block these via your browser settings.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information you provide directly

• Email correspondence: if you email us at support@vatcalculator.co.za, we receive your email address and the contents of your message. We use this only to respond to you.
• Calculator inputs: the amounts you enter into the VAT calculator. These are processed in your browser and saved to your device's local storage if you choose to keep history. They are never sent to our servers.

2.2 Information collected automatically

• Device and browser data: IP address, user-agent string, device type, screen size, operating system, and browser language.
• Usage data: pages visited, referring page, time on page, click events, and approximate location (country/region) derived from IP address.
• Performance data: Core Web Vitals and other performance metrics.
• Cookies and similar technologies: see Section 4.

2.3 What we do not collect

• We do not require account registration.
• We do not collect names, ID numbers, financial account details, or VAT registration numbers.
• We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18.

3. How We Use Information

We process information for the following purposes:

• To operate and maintain the Service.
• To measure traffic, understand how the Service is used, and improve content and features.
• To serve and measure advertising (including personalised advertising where lawful and not blocked by you).
• To detect, prevent, and address technical issues and abuse.
• To respond to your inquiries when you contact us by email.
• To comply with legal obligations.

Lawful basis (POPIA / GDPR): we rely on your consent (for non-essential cookies and personalised ads), our legitimate interests (operating, improving, and securing the Service; serving non-personalised ads), and compliance with legal obligations.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We and our third-party providers use cookies, web beacons, pixels, and local storage to operate the Service, measure usage, and serve advertising. Cookies fall into the following categories:

• Essential — required for the Service to function (e.g. preserving your tab selection, service worker for offline use).
• Analytics — help us understand how the Service is used (Google Analytics via Google Tag Manager, Vercel Speed Insights).
• Advertising — used by our ad partners to serve and measure advertisements (Google AdSense, CleverMedia).

Managing cookies: most browsers let you block or delete cookies via their settings. Blocking advertising cookies will not stop you from seeing ads but the ads may be less relevant. Blocking essential cookies may break parts of the Service.

5. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services. Each operates under its own privacy policy. Personal data may be transferred outside South Africa (including to the United States and the European Union) by these providers.

Google's use of advertising cookies: Google, as a third-party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on this site. Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to you based on your visit to this site and/or other sites on the internet. You may opt out of personalised advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings. You may also opt out of third-party vendor use of cookies for personalised advertising at aboutads.info or youronlinechoices.eu.

6. Data Retention

• Calculation history: stored only on your device until you clear it. We never see it.
• Email correspondence: retained for as long as needed to handle your inquiry and any follow-up.
• Server / analytics logs: retained per the retention settings of the third-party providers listed above (typically up to 26 months for Google Analytics by default).

7. Your Rights

Subject to applicable law, you have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate information.
• Request deletion of your personal information.
• Object to or restrict certain processing.
• Withdraw consent (where processing is based on consent).
• Lodge a complaint with the South African Information Regulator or, for EU/UK residents, your local data protection authority.

To exercise these rights, email support@vatcalculator.co.za.

8. International Transfers

Some of our service providers (Google, Vercel, CleverMedia) process information outside South Africa, including in the United States and the European Union. These transfers are made under appropriate safeguards (such as the EU Standard Contractual Clauses) where required.

9. Security

The Service is served over HTTPS. We rely on reputable hosting and analytics partners who implement industry-standard security controls. No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, but we take reasonable steps to protect personal information.

10. Children's Privacy

The Service is not directed to children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with information, please contact us and we will delete it.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Effective date" at the top reflects the latest version. Material changes will be highlighted on this page.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact us:

• Email: support@vatcalculator.co.za
• Website: vatcalculator.co.za

For POPIA inquiries, our designated Information Officer can be reached at the email above.

This privacy policy is provided for informational purposes and is not legal advice. If you have specific compliance questions, consult a qualified attorney.