Unrealised gain
Also known as: unrealized gain, paper gain
An increase in the value of crypto you still hold, which is generally not taxed until you dispose of the asset.
Definition
An unrealised gain (a "paper gain") is the difference between current market value and base cost on an asset you have not disposed of. For most investors holding crypto on capital account, unrealised gains are not taxed in South Africa until a disposal crystallises them. Note that section 24I can require traders and certain holders to account for exchange differences on a mark-to-market basis, which is a separate regime.
Example
You hold ETH bought at R20,000, now worth R35,000. The R15,000 is an unrealised gain — there is generally no CGT until you actually dispose of the ETH.
Jurisdiction notes
- South Africa: Unrealised gains are generally untaxed for capital-account holders until disposal; section 24I can impose mark-to-market for some holders.