Crypto tax calculator
From March 2026, South African exchanges report your transactions to SARS under the new CARF rules, so the "SARS does not know" era is ending. See what your gains actually cost as an investor or a trader, before filing season does it for you. No signup, nothing you enter leaves this page.
What changed: SARS can now see your trades
South Africa has adopted the OECD Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF). From March 2026, exchanges with a South African connection, including the platforms most locals use, must collect and report customer transaction data to SARS, with the first submissions due by 31 May 2027 and automatic exchange with other countries' revenue services to follow. Non-disclosure was always illegal; now it is also visible. Understatement penalties run up to 200% of the tax, and SARS's Voluntary Disclosure Programme, which removes most penalties, is only available before they contact you.
The tax itself is unchanged in principle: SARS taxes crypto by intention. Hold as a long-term investment and disposals are capital: gains above the R50 000 annual exclusion are 40% included in your income, an effective ceiling of 18%. Trade actively and profits are ordinary income at your marginal rate, up to 45%. Mining, staking rewards and getting paid in crypto are income at the rand value when received.
Frequently asked questions
Does SARS know about my crypto?
Increasingly, yes. South Africa has adopted the OECD Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework: from March 2026 South African exchanges must collect and report user transaction data to SARS, with the first submissions due by 31 May 2027. Voluntary disclosure before SARS asks is dramatically cheaper than being found.
How is crypto taxed in South Africa?
It depends on intention. Long-term investors pay capital gains tax: gains above the R50 000 annual exclusion are 40% included in income, giving a maximum effective rate of 18%. Frequent traders pay normal income tax on profits at their marginal rate, up to 45%. SARS decides on the facts, not on what you call yourself.
Is swapping one coin for another a taxable event?
Yes. Selling for rand, swapping coin to coin, and spending crypto on goods or services are all disposals. Each one realises a gain or loss measured in rand at the time, which is why records of every transaction matter.
What happens if I never declared my crypto?
Understatement penalties can reach 200% of the tax, plus interest, and intentional evasion is a criminal offence. SARS runs a Voluntary Disclosure Programme that removes most penalties if you come forward before an audit letter arrives, which is the sensible route once exchange reporting starts flowing.
Other assets too?
Shares or property share the same R50 000 exclusion. Run the full CGT picture.
Check CGT →Trading full time?
Trading profits usually mean provisional tax. Check your payment dates.
Check provisional tax →Filing season picture
Put deductions and PAYE together and see where your assessment lands.
Estimate my refund →Estimates use the 2026/27 tables and the SARS intention test in simplified form. Mining, staking, DeFi income and trader status determinations depend on your facts; large or historic undeclared amounts belong with a registered tax practitioner, ideally through voluntary disclosure. Free tools are estimates, not tax advice.