Topic guides
Cross-cutting explainers on cost-basis methods, DeFi, NFTs, staking, derivatives and the SARS concepts that trip people up.
Cost-basis methods
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Provisional tax & crypto
When crypto gains make you a provisional taxpayer, what to include in IRP6 estimates, and the August and February deadlines.
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.
Lost & stolen crypto
Whether you can claim a capital loss when keys are lost or crypto is stolen — and what evidence SARS expects.
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.
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.
Staking & rewards
Staking rewards tax (SA)
How SARS taxes staking rewards: revenue at market value on receipt, then a separate disposal later. The two-event model, a worked example, and valuation timing.
Staking under the 2026 SARS draft crypto guide
How the SARS Draft Guide to the Taxation of Crypto Assets treats staking: rewards as income at market value, that value as your cost, locking and unlocking outside disposal, and how Coinfig applies it.