Topic guides
Cross-cutting explainers on cost-basis methods, DeFi, NFTs, staking, derivatives and the SARS concepts that trip people up.
Cost-basis methods
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FIFO vs specific identification under SARS
SARS accepts FIFO and specific identification for crypto cost basis — but not weighted average. How each method works, a worked example, and why consistency matters.
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HIFO, LIFO & average cost — what SARS allows
HIFO, LIFO and weighted-average cost are common in crypto software but are not accepted SARS methods. What South African individuals can actually use, and why.
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UK §104 pool explained
How HMRC pools crypto cost basis: the Section 104 pool, the same-day and 30-day matching rules, a worked example, and how it differs from South African FIFO.
Concepts & events
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Crypto-to-crypto trades are disposals
Swapping one crypto for another is a taxable disposal even though no cash changes hands. Why it is taxable, a worked example, and why exchange CSVs hide it.
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Airdrops & forks: tax treatment
How airdrops and hard forks are taxed: when receipt is income, when value arises only on disposal, and what to record. Treatment is fact-specific and evolving.
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Why exchange CSVs lie
Exchange CSV exports are built for operations, not tax. The recurring errors — missing rand values, hidden swaps, mislabelled transfers — and what a defensible record looks like.
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ZAR-pair accounting vs USD-intermediate
Most crypto trades are priced in USD, but SARS tax is computed in rands. How ZAR-pair pricing and USD-intermediate translation differ, and why a consistent method matters.
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Capital vs revenue: a SARS flowchart
A practical flowchart for the question that sets your rate: is your crypto gain capital (max ~18%) or revenue (up to 45%)? Intention, frequency, and why evidence beats assertion.
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How to declare crypto on your ITR12
A practical walkthrough for South African individuals: reconcile your accounts, classify capital vs revenue, enter figures on your annual tax return (ITR12), and what to attach for SARS.
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Provisional tax & crypto
When crypto gains make you a provisional taxpayer, what to include in IRP6 estimates, and the August and February deadlines.
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Gifting & donating crypto (SARS)
Why gifting crypto is a capital gains tax (CGT) disposal at market value, when donations tax applies, and how to record gifts you give or receive.
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Lost & stolen crypto
Whether you can claim a capital loss when keys are lost or crypto is stolen — and what evidence SARS expects.
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Salary paid in crypto
How remuneration in crypto is taxed: gross income at market value, PAYE for employees, provisional tax for contractors, and base cost on later disposal.
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Small crypto gains & the R40,000 exclusion
No de minimis exemption for crypto — how the R40,000 annual exclusion works, when you still must file, and why small undeclared swaps matter under CARF.