If SARS asks for information, read the actual notice carefully. A website cannot predict whether you will be audited or replace the deadline and procedure in your correspondence.
What should I do first?
- Verify the request through your normal SARS channels.
- Record its tax periods, reference, requested documents and response date.
- Keep a copy of the notice and every response.
- Ask a registered practitioner for help with discrepancies or disputed treatment.
What evidence should I organise?
Reconcile exchange exports, wallet movements, bank entries, ZAR valuations, purchase evidence, fees and filed returns. Explain transfers between your own wallets so they are not mistaken for sale proceeds.
How long should I keep records?
Do not discard material that is relevant to an unresolved audit, objection or appeal. Retention can extend beyond the ordinary period. Keep acquisition evidence while it is needed to substantiate later disposals.
What about penalties or voluntary disclosure?
Penalty treatment depends on the law and facts. A headline percentage or a generic interest rate is not a reliable estimate. VDP has conditions and potential audit-related exceptions; it is not automatically unavailable after every SARS contact. Get advice using the VDP preparation guide.
The readiness checklist finds record gaps. It does not estimate audit probability.