Australian Crypto Tax Calculator
Work out capital gains tax on your crypto — disposals, the 50% CGT discount, and estimated tax payable computed with ATO rules.
AU Crypto Tax Calculator
2025–26 ATO rates · CGT on digital asset disposals
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Tax Summary
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Your crypto tax summary
A plain-English read of the CGT on this disposal — using ATO 2025–26 rates, the 50% CGT discount where eligible, and the 2% Medicare Levy for residents.
Tax across different gain amounts
Estimated crypto tax at different capital gains, on top of the income entered. All scenarios assume a 12+ month holding (50% CGT discount) for eligible individuals. Larger gains may cross into higher brackets, lifting the effective rate.
| Capital Gain | Taxable (with discount) | Estimated Crypto Tax | Effective Rate |
|---|
2025–26 tax brackets
Crypto gains are added to total taxable income and taxed at marginal rates. The portion sitting in each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate. Source: ATO Individual Income Tax Rates ↗
| Bracket | Rate | Tax on Full Bracket | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUD 0 – 18,200 | 0% | AUD 0 | ✓ In bracket |
| AUD 18,201 – 45,000 | 16% | AUD 4,288 | ✓ In bracket |
| AUD 45,001 – 135,000 | 30% | AUD 27,000 | ◀ Current bracket |
| AUD 135,001 – 190,000 | 37% | AUD 20,350 | — |
| AUD 190,001+ | 45% | Varies | — |
50% CGT discount
Per ATO guidelines, a 50% CGT discount is available to individuals and trusts (not companies) who hold a CGT asset for 12 months or more before disposal. ATO CGT discount ↗
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Visit site →How Crypto Tax Works in Australia
A reference guide to the ATO's tax treatment of cryptocurrency — common scenarios, worked examples, and how investing compares to running a trading business. All figures verified against official ATO guidance.
The Australian Crypto Landscape
Crypto ownership among younger Australians has risen sharply. ASIC's Moneysmart Gen Z Financial Behaviours Report 2026 found that 23% of Gen Z Australians (aged 18–28) own crypto assets, up from 9% in 2023. The same research noted that two-thirds of young crypto holders take a short-term or speculative approach, and that many rely on social media for investment information. With increasing participation, the ATO has expanded its data-matching and compliance focus on the sector.
Alongside growth, scam activity remains a concern. The National Anti-Scam Centre's Scamwatch reported approximately AUD 2.03 billion in total scam losses across all categories in the 2024 calendar year, with investment scams — many involving crypto — a leading contributor. AUSTRAC has since imposed cash limits on crypto ATM transactions to reduce scam exposure.
Tax on Common Crypto Scenarios
How the ATO generally treats activity beyond simple buy-and-sell. Treatment can vary with individual circumstances — these are general descriptions only.
NFTs
NFTs are CGT assets. Disposing of one (selling, swapping, or gifting) is a CGT event, with the gain or loss based on the AUD market value at the time. Creating and selling NFTs as a business is treated as business income, and GST may apply if running an enterprise.
Airdrops
An established token received via airdrop is ordinary income at its AUD market value when received. A new token with no established market value may have a nil cost base — no income at receipt, but the full proceeds are a capital gain when later sold.
DeFi Lending & Yield
Depositing crypto into a DeFi protocol can trigger a CGT event if beneficial ownership changes (for example, receiving LP or receipt tokens). Rewards and yield earned are generally ordinary income at the AUD value when received.
Crypto Gifts
Gifting crypto is a disposal for the giver — a CGT event based on the AUD market value on the day of the gift, even though no money changes hands. The recipient's cost base is generally that market value for their own future CGT calculation.
Key Tax Comparisons
How the ATO distinguishes between different forms of crypto activity — and why the classification changes the tax outcome.
Investing vs Running a Trading Business
| Factor | Investor (CGT) | Business / Trader (Income) |
|---|---|---|
| Tax framework | Capital Gains Tax on disposals | Ordinary income on trading profit |
| 50% CGT discount | Available if held 12+ months | Not available — trading stock |
| Losses | Offset capital gains only; carried forward | May offset other income (subject to non-commercial loss rules) |
| Typical profile | Buy-and-hold, lower frequency | High volume, business-like, profit intention |
| GST | Generally not applicable to investors | May apply if enterprise turnover exceeds AUD 75,000 |
Personal Use Asset vs Investment Asset
| Factor | Personal Use Asset | Investment Asset |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Acquired and used to buy goods/services for personal use | Acquired to hold or profit from price movement |
| Timing | Acquired and spent within a short period | Held over time, even briefly, as an investment |
| CGT exemption | Capital gains disregarded if acquired for under AUD 10,000 | No personal-use exemption — full CGT applies |
| Capital losses | Always disregarded | Can offset other capital gains |
How Different Income Types Are Treated
| Activity | Tax Treatment | When Taxed |
|---|---|---|
| Capital gains (disposals) | CGT — 50% discount if held 12+ months | On disposal |
| Staking rewards | Ordinary income at AUD market value | When received |
| Mining (hobby) | CGT asset; cost base = market value at receipt | On later disposal |
| Mining (business) | Ordinary income (trading stock); deductions available | When received |
| DeFi rewards / yield | Ordinary income at AUD market value | When received |
| Airdrops (established token) | Ordinary income at AUD market value | When received |
Worked Examples
Illustrative scenarios showing how the ATO's rules apply in practice. Figures are examples only and do not reflect any individual's circumstances.
Australian Crypto Tax News & Updates
Recent ATO, ASIC, Treasury, AUSTRAC and RBA announcements affecting crypto investors — sourced from official government channels.
Treasury Tranche 1b: Payment Stablecoin Regulations
Treasury has foreshadowed Tranche 1b of payment system reforms for early 2026, covering licensing exemptions, money safeguarding obligations, APRA powers over large stablecoin issuers, and unclaimed money rules.
Key Changes
- Proposed licensing exemptions for certain payment stablecoin activities
- Money safeguarding obligations for stablecoin issuers
- APRA authorisation required for large payment stablecoin issuers (holding over AUD 100 million) — facing bank-like prudential requirements
- New unclaimed money rules for dormant stablecoin accounts
Impact
Completes the framework for payment stablecoins alongside Tranche 1a. Large issuers will face prudential requirements.
What to Watch
Monitor Treasury announcements for consultation opening on the draft legislation.
ASIC Finalises Stablecoin & Wrapped Token Relief
ASIC granted final class relief for intermediaries distributing eligible stablecoins and wrapped tokens, plus rules allowing omnibus accounts for digital asset custody.
Key Changes
- Intermediaries exempt from a separate AFS licence for distributing eligible stablecoins
- Relief extended to wrapped tokens from licensed issuers
- Omnibus accounts permitted for digital asset custody with proper record-keeping
- Reserve and redemption requirements imposed on issuers
Impact
Crypto businesses can distribute certain stablecoins without separate licensing while maintaining consumer protection.
What to Watch
Review the relevant ASIC instrument if you distribute stablecoins or wrapped tokens.
Digital Asset Framework Bill Introduced to Parliament
The Government introduced the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025, creating mandatory AFSL licensing for digital asset platforms holding crypto on behalf of consumers.
Key Changes
- Digital asset platforms and tokenised custody platforms become financial products
- Providers must hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL)
- A new disclosure document required for retail clients
- Small platforms below set thresholds may be exempt
- Preparation and transition period applies once Royal Assent is received
Impact
Major regulatory shift — significant exchanges, custodians, and wallet providers will require AFSL licensing.
What to Watch
The Bill sets AFSL licensing requirements; small platforms below set thresholds may be exempt.
Crypto Tax — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about how the ATO taxes cryptocurrency — CGT, income, reporting, and special cases — verified against official ATO guidance.
Yes. The ATO treats crypto assets as property, not currency, so Capital Gains Tax (CGT) applies when you dispose of crypto. There are no special crypto tax rules — the same rules that apply to shares and other investments apply to crypto assets.
ATO Crypto Asset InvestmentsNo CGT is triggered by simply holding crypto. A CGT event only occurs when you dispose of it — selling, swapping for another crypto, converting to AUD, gifting, or using it to buy goods or services. However, crypto received as income (staking, airdrops, mining, salary) is taxable when received.
ATO Crypto TransactionsCapital gain = capital proceeds (sale value in AUD) − cost base (purchase price + fees). If proceeds are less than the cost base, you have a capital loss. Each crypto asset is treated separately, so you must track the cost base for every coin or token you own.
ATO CGT on CryptoIf you hold a crypto asset for more than 12 months before disposing of it, you may be eligible for the 50% CGT discount, so only half the capital gain is added to your taxable income. The discount applies to individuals and trusts (not companies).
Note: the full discount is generally not available to foreign or temporary residents for gains accrued after 8 May 2012.
ATO CGT DiscountYes. Exchanging one crypto for another (for example BTC to ETH) is a CGT event. The ATO treats it as disposing of the first crypto and acquiring the second. You calculate your gain or loss using the market value at the time of the swap in Australian dollars.
ATO Crypto TransactionsA crypto asset can be exempt from CGT if it is a personal use asset acquired for less than AUD 10,000. To qualify, the crypto must be acquired and used within a short period to buy goods or services for personal consumption. Crypto held as an investment, even briefly, does not qualify.
ATO Personal Use AssetYes, but only against capital gains — not against salary or other ordinary income. If your capital losses exceed your gains for the year, the net loss carries forward indefinitely to offset gains in future years. You cannot claim unrealised "paper losses"; you must actually dispose of the asset.
ATO CGT on CryptoThe ATO requires you to keep records that identify the specific units of a crypto asset you dispose of. Where your records let you identify which units were sold, you can choose which parcels are disposed of at each sale (for example, by applying first-in-first-out, last-in-first-out or highest-in-first-out ordering). If you cannot identify the specific units, a first-in-first-out basis is generally applied.
ATO Keeping Crypto RecordsYes. Staking rewards are treated as ordinary income and taxed at your marginal rate when you receive them. The AUD value at receipt becomes the cost base. When you later sell the staked tokens, a CGT event may also arise on any change in value.
ATO Staking RewardsPer ATO guidance, depositing crypto into a smart contract for staking can be a disposal event triggering CGT — for example where you exchange your crypto for receipt tokens (such as LP tokens). The gain is the difference between cost base and market value at deposit. This is the default treatment; a tax professional can advise on alternatives.
ATO DeFi & WrappingIt depends. If you receive an established token via airdrop, its market value is ordinary income when received. If the airdrop is a new token with no established market value (and you didn't pay for it), it may have a $0 cost base — no income at receipt, but proceeds when sold are fully a capital gain.
ATO AirdropsIf you mine as a hobby, the crypto received is a CGT asset with a cost base equal to its market value when acquired. If you mine as a business, the crypto is trading stock and taxed as ordinary income, and business miners can claim deductions for electricity, equipment depreciation, and other expenses.
ATO Crypto MiningDeFi lending often triggers a CGT event when you deposit crypto, as you may be exchanging it for a right or another token. Rewards earned are ordinary income. Liquidity pool deposits and withdrawals are typically CGT events. The treatment depends on whether beneficial ownership changes.
ATO DeFiKeep records showing the dates of transactions, the AUD value at the time, what the transaction was for, and the other party's wallet address. Export your exchange history regularly — at least every 3 months. Keep records for 5 years after you dispose of the asset.
ATO Crypto RecordsThe ATO runs a crypto data-matching program covering 2014–15 to 2025–26, collecting data from Australian exchanges on up to 1.2 million individuals annually — including transaction history, wallet addresses, and bank account details. It uses blockchain analytics to trace DeFi, staking, and NFT activity, and cross-references AUSTRAC reports.
ATO Data MatchingThe Crypto Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) is an OECD global standard requiring exchanges and service providers to report user transaction data to tax authorities. Australia confirmed CARF implementation in the December 2025 MYEFO, with first data exchanges expected from 2028. Offshore crypto holdings will become visible to the ATO through international data sharing.
Australian Treasury CARFNo. Transferring crypto between wallets you own is not a disposal and does not trigger CGT, as long as you keep ownership. Keep records of transfers to prove continued ownership. Be aware that some DeFi interactions that look like transfers may actually be disposals.
ATO Crypto TransactionsReport capital gains/losses at the Capital gains or losses section in myTax, and crypto income (staking, airdrops, mining) at Other income. The ATO pre-fills some data from exchanges. For FY 2025–26, self-lodgers must file by 31 October 2026, or up to 15 May 2027 via a registered tax agent engaged by 31 October.
ATO ReportingA wash sale is selling crypto to realise a loss, then quickly rebuying the same asset to artificially reduce tax. The ATO treats this as tax avoidance under Part IVA — the capital loss may be disallowed and penalties and interest can apply. The ATO actively monitors for wash sale patterns.
ATO Wash SalesYes — NFTs are crypto assets and subject to CGT when disposed of. If you create and sell NFTs as a business, proceeds are business income. NFTs are not digital currency for GST purposes, so NFT sales may be subject to GST if you run an enterprise.
ATO NFTsGifting crypto is a disposal event for CGT. You may have a capital gain or loss based on the market value of the crypto at the time of the gift, even though no money changes hands. The 50% CGT discount may apply if you held the asset 12+ months and are an eligible individual.
ATO Crypto TransactionsYou can claim a capital loss if you permanently lost access and can prove you owned the crypto, you lost the private key, and the loss is permanent (unrecoverable). Evidence includes wallet addresses, acquisition records, and proof the keys cannot be recovered.
ATO Lost or Stolen CryptoYou generally cannot claim a capital loss until the external administration is finalised — which may take years. The CGT event occurs when administration ends and the loss crystallises. Any distributions you receive reduce the capital loss. Keep records of holdings and monitor the administration.
ATO Exchange CollapseFor most people, no. Buying and selling digital currency (such as Bitcoin) is generally input-taxed or GST-free for GST purposes. However, a business accepting crypto as payment must account for GST on the goods or services sold. NFTs and stablecoins can have different GST treatment.
ATO GST & CryptoGenerally not in full. The full 50% CGT discount is not available to foreign or temporary residents for gains accrued after 8 May 2012. An apportioned discount may apply for any period you were an Australian resident during your ownership. Gains accrued while a non-resident are taxed in full.
ATO CGT Discount for Foreign ResidentsImportant Disclaimer
For educational and informational purposes only. This calculator produces estimates of capital gains tax (CGT) on crypto asset disposals based on the inputs provided and the ATO 2025–26 individual income tax brackets, including the Stage 3 tax cuts effective from 1 July 2024. The 50% CGT discount is applied only to gains on assets held for 12 months or more by Australian resident individuals. The Medicare Levy is calculated at 2% for residents. The calculator simplifies many aspects of crypto taxation and does not capture every transaction type, offset, or individual circumstance.
Not a complete picture of crypto tax. Crypto taxation depends on the specific nature of each transaction. Staking rewards, airdrops, mining, DeFi activity, NFTs, chain splits, and crypto received as income are treated differently from simple capital gains and may be taxed as ordinary income. Foreign and temporary residents are generally not entitled to the full 50% CGT discount for assets acquired after 8 May 2012. Whether a person is an investor or carrying on a trading business materially affects the tax outcome.
No warranty of accuracy. While Money Snap takes reasonable care to source figures from official authorities (ATO, ASIC MoneySmart), this calculator is provided "as is" without any express or implied warranty as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or fitness for any particular purpose. Tax rates, thresholds, and rules change frequently — figures shown may be out of date, and individual circumstances not captured by the inputs may materially affect actual tax obligations.
Not financial advice. Information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. Results do not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice and use of this calculator does not create an advisory relationship. Before acting on any figure shown, obtain personal advice from a registered tax agent (Tax Practitioners Board) or a licensed financial adviser, or refer to the ATO directly.
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