Is Trading Taxable? What SARS Wants You to Know

In South Africa, trading activities are taxable depending on their nature. Whether you are trading stocks, cryptocurrencies, or other assets, it’s important to know how the South African Revenue Service (SARS) treats these activities. SARS classifies trading as either revenue or capital gains, which determines how much tax you owe.

What SARS Says About Trading and Taxation

When you engage in trading, SARS assesses whether the profits you earn are income or capital gains. This classification is vital because it affects your tax liability. Trading activities like buying and selling assets with the aim of making a profit are taxable. According to SARS, SARS considers this taxable if it’s done consistently, much like a business operation.

SARS treats any profit earned from trading as taxable. This includes activities like stock market trading, cryptocurrency investments, and other forms of asset exchange. If you trade frequently and earn regular profits, SARS considers this income. However, if you engage in less frequent, long-term trading, your profits may be taxed as capital gains.

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Revenue vs. Capital Gains: How SARS Classifies Trading

SARS uses two categories to determine how trading profits are taxed: revenue and capital gains.

Revenue Gains

If you frequently buy and sell assets with the intent to make a profit, your gains are classified as revenue. SARS treats these profits as income. They are taxed according to your marginal tax rate, which ranges from 18% to 40%, depending on your earnings. The key here is that your trading resembles a business activity. If you trade consistently for profit, SARS will consider your gains as income.

Capital Gains

If you buy assets with the intention of holding them for a longer period to make a profit, SARS classifies the resulting profits as capital gains. Under Capital Gains Tax (CGT), you only include a portion of the capital gain in your taxable income. For individuals, 33.3% of the net gain is taxable, based on the applicable marginal rate.

Both revenue and capital gains must be reported in the year you earn them.

SARS and Crypto Trading

The growing interest in cryptocurrency trading raises important tax questions. SARS treats cryptocurrency transactions the same as traditional trading when it comes to taxes.

Revenue Account for Crypto

If you trade cryptocurrency regularly with the aim of profiting from short-term price changes, SARS will classify your profits as revenue. This means your crypto profits are taxed as income.

Capital Account for Crypto

On the other hand, if you hold your cryptocurrency as a long-term investment, any profits made will be treated as capital gains. These gains will be subject to CGT, as outlined above.

Regardless of whether you are trading cryptocurrencies or other assets, it is important to report your profits accurately to SARS. Failure to do so could result in penalties or interest on unpaid taxes.

Reporting Your Trading Activities to SARS

You must report your trading activities on your tax return. All profits from trading must be declared in the tax year in which you earn them. Whether your profits come from revenue or capital gains, it’s essential to provide accurate information to SARS.

If you are unsure about your tax obligations, consider consulting a tax professional who specialises in trading and investment taxes. They can help you navigate the complexities of reporting and ensure you stay compliant with SARS regulations.

Tax Rates and Exemptions

For the 2024/25 tax year, the following tax rates apply:

• Individuals: The tax rates for individuals range from 18% to 40% based on income.
• Companies: Companies face a flat tax rate of 28% on taxable income.

Additionally, there are exemptions. For instance, taxpayers can exclude up to R40,000 in capital gains. If you are 55 or older, you may qualify for a larger exclusion when disposing of a qualifying small business.

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Stay Compliant with SARS

Trading in South Africa is taxable. Whether your profits are classified as revenue or capital gains, SARS requires you to report them accurately. By ensuring you classify your profits correctly and comply with SARS regulations, you can avoid penalties and interest.

To learn more, visit the SARS Capital Gains Tax Guide or the SARS Crypto Assets Tax Guide.