Tax guides

The Night SARS Came Knocking (and How I Fought Back)

When SARS claimed this crypto investor owed capital gains tax going back seven years, they turned to CH Consulting. Over six months we managed their Voluntary Disclosure Programme (VDP) application, responded to three further SARS letters and, in the client's words, saved them a small fortune. This is their account of the process.

Hand holding a Bitcoin coin in black and white with a green leaf graphic

About a year ago, I got the email, the kind that makes your heart drop into your shoes. SARS was coming for me.

Apparently, I owed them a scary amount of money in capital gains tax… going back seven years. Yep. Seven.

Cue mild panic attack. Followed swiftly by a bottle of Scotch. (Okay, maybe more than one.)

Somewhere in the haze of late-night doom-scrolling, I stumbled across CH Consulting, who claimed to specialise in crypto tax. I reached out in desperation. They replied fast and professionally, sent me a quote… which triggered another mini panic attack. But after the second bottle and a deep breath, I decided to go ahead.

Best decision I could’ve made!!!

CH’s process is built to keep overwhelmed people like me from drowning. Their systems are streamlined, their onboarding is smooth, and they genuinely hold your hand through the madness.

Over six months, they managed my VDP with SARS while I just followed instructions (nervously). SARS sent three more letters during that time. Each one spiked my cortisol through the roof. But every time, CH Consulting jumped in, calm, professional, and ready with a response that soothed both SARS and me.

They didn’t just know what to do, they knew how to handle it. I had three calls with their lead accountant, who was surprisingly down-to-earth, clear, and reassuring. No jargon, no judgement, just solutions. And somehow, despite all the chaos, they managed to save me a small fortune.

Honestly, CH Consulting didn’t just fix my tax problem. They gave me peace of mind. I went from panic-stricken wreck to calm(ish) crypto citizen, and I now actually understand what’s going on with my taxes.

To anyone sitting on a pile of crypto gains, ignoring the tax man and hoping it’ll go away: trust me, it won’t. But CH Consulting will make sure it doesn’t ruin your life.

Need Expert Help?

You are welcome to book a call if you want us to consult on your specific circumstances or complete your calculation and return on your behalf.

You can also email us at info@chconsulting.co.za if you have any questions; or check out our Google Reviews to see what other customers have experienced when working with us.

Watch: how we prepare your SARS crypto tax return

Our crypto tax process, step by step (2:18). Watch on YouTube

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Chris Herbst

Chris Herbst

Founder of CH Consulting. Chartered Business Accountant in Practice (CBAP, CIBA) and General Tax Practitioner (GTP, SAIT), working in South African tax since 2009.