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🇬🇧 Crypto tax in United Kingdom
Capital Gains Tax applies when you sell, swap, spend or give away crypto. Costs are pooled per token (with same-day and 30-day rules). From 6 April 2026 gains are taxed at 18% or 24%, after a £3,000 tax-free allowance.
| Taxable disposals | Selling, exchanging for another cryptoasset, paying for goods/services, giving away (except to spouse, civil partner or charity).Source quote"selling them; exchanging them for a different type of cryptoasset; using them to pay for goods or services; giving them to another person (unless it’s a gift to your spouse, civil partner or charity)" |
|---|---|
| CGT rates | From 6 April 2026: 18% on gains that fall within the basic rate band; 24% above it. Higher/additional rate taxpayers pay 24%.Source quote"If you’re a higher or additional rate taxpayer, you’ll pay 24% on your gains from 6 April 2026." … "within the basic Income Tax band, you’ll pay 18%" |
| Tax-free allowance | £3,000 (Annual Exempt Amount); £1,500 for trusts.Source quote"The Capital Gains tax-free allowance is: £3,000; £1,500 for trusts" |
| Cost-basis method | Pool each token type and use the pooled average cost; tokens bought the same day or within 30 days of a sale follow share rules (HS284).Source quote"You must group each type of token you own into ‘pools’" … "Do not pool the cost of your tokens if you buy them: on the same day … within 30 days of selling" |
| Losses | Capital losses can reduce gains, but must be reported to HMRC first.Source quote"use capital losses on other assets to reduce your gain, but you’ll need to report them to us first" |
| Tax year | 6 April – 5 April.Source quote"tax year (6 April to 5 April)" |
| Where to report | Self Assessment cryptoasset section (2024–25 onwards) or the CGT real time service.Source quote"complete it in pound sterling, in the cryptoasset section — available on returns for the tax year 2024 to 2025 onwards" |
| Exchange reporting (CARF) | UK crypto-service providers submit their first report (covering 2026) between 1 Jan and 31 May 2027, then by 31 May each year.Source quote"You need to submit your first report between 1 January 2027 and 31 May 2027, giving details for 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026." |
Official sources
- GOV.UK – Tax when you sell cryptoassets
- GOV.UK – CGT rates
- GOV.UK – CGT allowances
- GOV.UK – Reporting cryptoasset user and transaction data (CARF)
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Not tax advice. General information summarised from official sources; it may be incomplete or out of date. Always check the linked official source or a qualified tax adviser.