SARS (South African Revenue Service)
Also known as: South African Revenue Service, the Revenue Service
South Africa's tax authority, which treats crypto assets as assets of an intangible nature for tax and expects them declared on the ITR12.
Definition
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) administers tax in South Africa. SARS regards crypto assets as "assets of an intangible nature" rather than currency, so normal income-tax and CGT rules apply depending on intention. SARS has increased its focus on crypto, receives data from local exchanges, and will gain international visibility through CARF from 2026. Crypto gains and income must be declared on your ITR12 return.
Example
You traded and held crypto during the year. You declare revenue income and capital gains from crypto to SARS on your ITR12 income tax return.
Jurisdiction notes
- South Africa: SARS treats crypto as assets of an intangible nature; both income tax and CGT can apply depending on intention.