How Long Does a SARS Crypto Voluntary Disclosure Programme (VDP) Application Take?

How long does a SARS Crypto Voluntary Disclosure Programme (VDP) application take? In this Tax Insight, we examine a recent anonymised case and explain how careful preparation, accurate records and professional guidance contributed to an efficient outcome.

J. L. Muller B.Com (Accounting) (Hons) (Tax)

7/21/20262 min read

Gold Bitcoin coins on a calculator showing TAX for cryptocurrency tax filing and accounting.
Gold Bitcoin coins on a calculator showing TAX for cryptocurrency tax filing and accounting.

How Long Does a SARS Crypto Voluntary Disclosure Programme (VDP) Application Take?

15 July 2026

Crypto Tax Insights

One of the questions we are asked most frequently is:

“How long will my SARS Crypto Voluntary Disclosure Programme (VDP) application take to be finalised?”

The honest answer is that every application is different.

The timeframe depends on several factors, including the complexity of the taxpayer’s affairs, the quality of the supporting documentation, and how thoroughly the application is prepared before it is submitted to SARS.

We recently completed a cryptocurrency VDP matter that provides an example of how a carefully prepared application progressed through the SARS Voluntary Disclosure Programme.

Please note: Every VDP application is assessed on its own facts and circumstances. The example below is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters.

A Recent Successful VDP Matter

In this matter, the client’s cryptocurrency gain exceeded R1 million.

From the client’s initial contact with Crypto Tax Consult until the signed VDP agreement was received from SARS, the entire process took less than two months.

Although the taxpayer had cryptocurrency transactions spanning several tax years, the application was carefully prepared with:

  • Accurate transaction reconstruction

  • Comprehensive supporting documentation

  • Technical tax analysis

  • Detailed legal motivation

This enabled SARS to clearly understand both the facts and the applicable tax treatment.

Timeline of the Matter

Why Preparation Matters

Submitting a cryptocurrency VDP application involves much more than generating a transaction report.

A successful application often depends on:

  • Correct classification of cryptocurrency transactions

  • Accurate calculation of taxable income or capital gains

  • Proper reconstruction of historical transactions

  • Comprehensive legal motivation

  • Professional engagement with SARS throughout the process

Well-prepared applications help SARS understand the relevant facts more efficiently and can significantly reduce unnecessary delays.

Need Professional Crypto Tax Assistance?

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Crypto Tax Consult provides practical, specialist guidance tailored to your circumstances.

📞 Contact Crypto Tax Consult today to arrange a confidential consultation.

Outcome Achieved

Based on the specific facts and circumstances of this matter, the following outcome was achieved:

  • No Income Tax was levied.

  • Only Capital Gains Tax (CGT) was levied.

  • No understatement penalties were imposed.

  • No interest was levied.

  • No penalties for the underestimation of provisional tax were imposed.

Again, every taxpayer’s situation is unique, and previous outcomes do not guarantee similar results.

Key Takeaways

Based on the specific facts and circumstances of this matter, the following outcome was achieved:

  • Every SARS Crypto VDP application is unique.

  • Accurate records remain essential.

  • Professional preparation can improve the efficiency of the process.

  • Technical tax analysis and supporting legal motivation are important parts of a complete application.

  • Seeking advice before SARS initiates an audit is generally preferable.

Again, every taxpayer’s situation is unique, and previous outcomes do not guarantee similar results.

Thinking About Making a VDP Application?

If you have undeclared cryptocurrency transactions, it is generally advisable to seek professional assistance before SARS commences an audit or investigation.

Crypto Tax Consult assists clients with:

Every taxpayer’s circumstances are unique, and each matter is approached according to its own facts and requirements.

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