Reverse VAT Calculator (price excl. tax from incl.)
Find the pre-tax amount and the VAT from a tax-inclusive price.
Result
Amount excl. tax
1,000.00
VAT amount
180.00
How it works
Reverse VAT extracts the pre-tax amount from a tax-inclusive price. Divide by (1 + rate): a 120 price at 20% VAT gives 120 ÷ 1.20 = 100 net, and the VAT is the 20 difference. The classic mistake is subtracting the rate instead of dividing. Taking 20% off 120 gives 96, not 100 — wrong, because the 20% was calculated on the net amount (100), not on the gross. Division is the only correct way back. This is a daily operation for any business: invoices show gross prices, but accounting and VAT returns need the net figure and the tax separately. Handy shortcuts for the common rates: divide by 1.20 for 20%, by 1.19 for 19%, by 1.18 for 18%, by 1.055 for 5.5%.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I remove VAT from a price?
Divide the tax-inclusive price by (1 + rate/100). At 18%: divide by 1.18.
What VAT rate should I use?
Use your country's rate — e.g. 18% (Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal), 19.25% (Cameroon), 20% (France).
Why can't I just subtract 20% from the gross price?
Because the 20% was applied to the net amount, not the gross. Subtracting 20% from 120 gives 96, but the correct net is 120 ÷ 1.20 = 100. Always divide, never subtract.
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