UK Crypto Tax Calculator
Work out capital gains tax on your crypto in the UK — disposals measured against the annual exempt amount under HMRC rules.
UK Crypto Tax Calculator
2026/27 HMRC rates · CGT on cryptoasset disposals
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Tax Summary
BASIC RATE
A £3,584 bill on a £15,000 taxable gain. CoinTracker generates the HMRC report behind it — 20% off for Money Snap readers.
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Your Crypto Tax Summary
A plain-English read of the tax on this disposal — using HMRC 2026/27 CGT rates (18% / 24%) and the £3,000 annual exempt amount.
Tax Scenarios
Estimated CGT at different gain amounts, on top of the income entered. After the £3,000 annual exempt amount, gains are taxed at 18% within the basic-rate band and 24% above it.
2026/27 Tax Rates
Income sets your CGT rate. Crypto gains stack on top of income: the part within the basic-rate band is taxed at 18%, the rest at 24%. Source: GOV.UK Income Tax rates ↗
| Component | Rate | Estimated tax |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto gain in basic-rate band | 18% | £49 |
| Crypto gain in higher/additional band | 24% | £3,535 |
£3,000 Annual Exempt Amount
Per HMRC, the first £3,000 of total capital gains each year is tax-free. It applies once across all assets — crypto, shares and property combined. GOV.UK CGT allowances ↗
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Visit site →How Crypto Tax Works in the UK
A reference guide to HMRC's tax treatment of cryptoassets — common scenarios, worked examples, and how investing compares to running a trading business. All figures verified against official GOV.UK and HMRC guidance.
The UK Crypto Landscape
According to the FCA's Cryptoassets Consumer Research 2025, around 8% of UK adults held cryptoassets in 2025 — roughly 4.5 million people — down from 12% in 2024, although awareness remained high at around 91%. While the number of holders fell, the average value held by remaining investors rose. Bitcoin is held by about 70% of owners and Ether by about 35%.
HMRC has steadily increased its compliance focus on the sector. From 1 January 2026, UK cryptoasset service providers must collect and report user transaction data to HMRC under the OECD's Cryptoasset Reporting Framework (CARF), aligning the UK with international tax-transparency standards.
Tax on Common Crypto Scenarios
How HMRC generally treats activity beyond simple buy-and-sell. Treatment can vary with individual circumstances — these are general descriptions only.
NFTs
NFTs are chargeable assets. Selling or swapping one is a disposal for CGT, with the gain based on the GBP market value at the time. Creating and selling NFTs as a business is taxed as trading income, and VAT may apply where an enterprise is being run.
Airdrops
Airdrops received in return for, or in expectation of, a service are taxed as income at GBP value on receipt. Airdrops received with nothing given in return may not be income on receipt, but a later disposal is still subject to CGT.
DeFi Lending & Staking
HMRC's position depends on whether beneficial ownership of the tokens transfers. If it does, entering or exiting a position can be a CGT disposal. Rewards and yield are generally taxed as miscellaneous income at GBP value on receipt.
Crypto Gifts
Gifting crypto is a disposal for CGT based on the GBP market value on the day of the gift — unless the gift is to a spouse or civil partner, which is treated on a no-gain, no-loss basis. Inheritance Tax rules may also apply to gifts.
Key Tax Comparisons
How HMRC distinguishes between different forms of crypto activity — and why the classification changes the tax outcome.
Investing vs Running a Trading Business
| Factor | Investor (CGT) | Trader (Income Tax) |
|---|---|---|
| Tax framework | Capital Gains Tax on disposals | Income Tax on trading profit |
| Tax rates | 18% (basic band) / 24% (higher band) | 20% / 40% / 45% marginal income rates |
| Allowance | £3,000 annual exempt amount | £1,000 trading allowance (if applicable) |
| Losses | Offset capital gains only; carried forward | May offset other income (subject to rules) |
| Typical profile | Buy-and-hold, lower frequency | High volume, organised, business-like |
| National Insurance | Not applicable | May apply (Class 2 / Class 4) |
Capital Gains vs Miscellaneous Income
| Factor | Capital Gain (CGT) | Income (Misc / Trading) |
|---|---|---|
| Triggered by | Selling, swapping, spending or gifting crypto | Staking, mining, airdrops, being paid in crypto |
| When taxed | On disposal | When received (GBP value at receipt) |
| Rate | 18% or 24% | Marginal income tax rate (20/40/45%) |
| Allowance | £3,000 annual exempt amount | £1,000 trading/misc allowance |
| Later disposal | — | Further gain after receipt is subject to CGT |
How Different Activities Are Treated
| Activity | Tax Treatment | When Taxed |
|---|---|---|
| Capital gains (disposals) | CGT — 18% / 24% above £3,000 allowance | On disposal |
| Staking rewards | Miscellaneous income at GBP value | When received |
| Mining (hobby) | Miscellaneous income; CGT on later disposal | When received |
| Mining (business) | Trading income; expenses deductible, NI may apply | When received |
| DeFi rewards / yield | Generally miscellaneous income at GBP value | When received |
| Airdrops (for a service) | Income at GBP value; CGT on later disposal | When received |
Worked Examples
Illustrative scenarios showing how HMRC's rules apply in practice. Figures are examples only and do not reflect any individual's circumstances.
UK Crypto Tax News & Updates
Recent HMRC, HM Treasury and FCA announcements affecting crypto investors — sourced from official government channels.
2026/27 Tax Year — CGT Rates and Allowance Confirmed Unchanged
For the 2026/27 tax year, HMRC confirmed the main CGT rates remain at 18% (basic rate band) and 24% (higher and additional rate bands), and the £3,000 annual exempt amount is retained. Income tax thresholds remain frozen until April 2031.
Key Settings for 2026/27
- CGT on cryptoassets: 18% within basic rate band, 24% above
- Annual exempt amount: £3,000 (frozen at this level)
- Personal allowance £12,570; basic-rate limit £50,270; additional-rate threshold £125,140
- Business Asset Disposal Relief rate increased from 14% to 18% for disposals on or after 6 April 2026
Impact
For typical crypto investors, the headline tax treatment is unchanged year-on-year. Frozen income thresholds may push more disposals into the 24% band over time.
Cryptoasset Reporting Framework (CARF) Goes Live
From 1 January 2026, UK cryptoasset service providers must collect customer and transaction data and report it to HMRC under the OECD's Cryptoasset Reporting Framework, aligning the UK with international tax-transparency standards.
What Providers Report
- Customer name, address, date of birth, and tax residency
- National Insurance number or tax reference
- Full transaction records — values, asset types, and transaction types
- First reports cover the 2026 calendar year
Impact
What you declare on Self Assessment will be checked against data HMRC receives directly from exchanges.
What to Watch
Failure to provide required details to UK providers can trigger an administrative penalty of up to £300.
FCA Confirms Cryptoasset Authorisation "Gateway" Timeline
The FCA confirmed that the application window for firms seeking authorisation under the incoming UK cryptoasset regime is expected to open around September 2026, ahead of the regime commencing in October 2027.
Detail
Firms will apply for cryptoasset permissions through the FCA "gateway", with the regime superseding the current money-laundering registration.
Impact
Aimed at firms, not individual investors — but signals broader consumer protection ahead for UK crypto users.
Crypto Tax — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about how HMRC taxes cryptoassets — CGT, income, reporting, and special cases — verified against official GOV.UK and HMRC guidance.
Yes. HMRC treats cryptoassets as chargeable assets, not currency, so Capital Gains Tax (CGT) applies when you dispose of them. Crypto received as income — staking, mining, airdrops, or being paid in crypto — is taxed as income instead.
HMRC Tax on CryptoassetsNo CGT is triggered by simply holding crypto, and buying with GBP or moving between your own wallets is not taxable. A disposal — selling, swapping, spending, or gifting — is what triggers CGT. Crypto received as income is taxable when received.
GOV.UK Capital Gains TaxGains above the annual exempt amount are taxed at 18% where they fall within your basic rate band, and 24% where they fall in the higher or additional rate band. These rates have applied since 30 October 2024. Your other income determines the split.
GOV.UK CGT RatesThe annual exempt amount (AEA) is the amount of total capital gains you can make each year before CGT applies. For 2026/27 it is £3,000, frozen at this level. It applies once across all your assets combined — crypto, shares, and property.
GOV.UK CGT AllowancesNo. Unlike some countries, the UK has no holding-period discount. Whether you hold for one day or ten years, the gain on disposal is taxed at the same CGT rates (18% or 24%). Only the £3,000 annual exempt amount reduces the taxable gain.
GOV.UK CGT RatesYes. Exchanging one crypto for another (for example BTC to ETH) is a disposal for CGT, even though no fiat is involved. You calculate the gain or loss using the GBP market value at the time of the swap.
HMRC Tax on CryptoassetsGain = proceeds (GBP value on disposal) − cost basis (purchase price + allowable fees). The UK uses share-pooling (Section 104) rules: holdings of the same token are pooled to an average cost, with same-day and 30-day matching rules applied first.
HMRC Pooling RulesYes, but only against capital gains — not income. If losses exceed gains, the net loss can be carried forward to offset future gains, provided you register the loss with HMRC within four years. You must actually dispose of the asset; paper losses do not count.
GOV.UK CGT LossesYes. HMRC generally treats staking rewards as miscellaneous income, taxed at your marginal income tax rate based on the GBP value when received. A separate £1,000 trading/miscellaneous allowance may apply. A later disposal of those tokens is subject to CGT on any further gain.
HMRC StakingIt depends. If an airdrop is received in return for or in expectation of a service, it is income at GBP value on receipt. If received with nothing given in return, it may not be income on receipt — but a later disposal is still a CGT event.
HMRC AirdropsIf you mine casually, the value of coins received is usually miscellaneous income. If mining is organised and commercial, it may be a trade — taxed as trading income with deductible expenses, and National Insurance may apply. A later disposal is subject to CGT on any further gain.
HMRC MiningHMRC's treatment depends on whether beneficial ownership of your tokens transfers. If it does, entering or exiting a DeFi position can be a CGT disposal. Returns and rewards are generally taxed as income. HMRC has consulted on simplifying these rules, but the law has not yet changed.
HMRC DeFiThe trading allowance lets you earn up to £1,000 of trading or miscellaneous income tax-free each tax year. If your total crypto income (staking, airdrops, etc.) is below £1,000, there may be no income tax to pay on it and no need to report it. Above £1,000, the full amount is taxable.
GOV.UK Trading AllowanceKeep records of the type of token, dates of each transaction, the GBP value at the time, the number of units, running pool totals, bank statements, and wallet addresses. Exchange CSV exports help. HMRC expects records to be kept for at least a year after the Self Assessment deadline.
HMRC RecordsReport capital gains on the Self Assessment SA108 (Capital Gains) pages, and crypto income as 'Other taxable income' on the SA100. The online filing deadline is 31 January after the tax year ends — so 2026/27 is due by 31 January 2028. You may also use the real-time CGT service.
GOV.UK Report & Pay CGTGenerally you must report if your total gains exceed the £3,000 allowance, or if your total disposal proceeds exceed £50,000 in the year, even if the gain is within the allowance. Crypto income above the £1,000 trading allowance must also be reported.
GOV.UK Report & Pay CGTThe Cryptoasset Reporting Framework (CARF) is an OECD global standard. From 1 January 2026, UK crypto service providers must collect and report user data — including name, address, tax residency, National Insurance number, and full transaction records — to HMRC. What you declare is checked against this data.
HMRC CARFNo. Transferring crypto between wallets you control is not a disposal and does not trigger CGT. Keep records to evidence continued ownership. Be aware that some DeFi interactions that resemble transfers may actually be disposals if beneficial ownership changes.
HMRC Tax on CryptoassetsYes. Using crypto to pay for goods or services is a disposal for CGT. HMRC compares the GBP value at the time of spending against your cost basis, and any gain above the allowance is taxable — even though you never converted to pounds.
HMRC Tax on CryptoassetsGifting crypto to anyone other than your spouse or civil partner is a disposal at GBP market value on the day of the gift, potentially triggering CGT. Gifts between spouses/civil partners are on a no-gain, no-loss basis. Inheritance Tax rules may also apply.
GOV.UK CGT on GiftsCrypto received as payment for employment or services is taxable as income at its GBP value on receipt, with Income Tax and potentially National Insurance applying. If your employer pays you in a 'readily convertible asset', PAYE may apply. A later disposal is subject to CGT.
HMRC Crypto as IncomeGenerally no special regime applies. Stablecoins are chargeable assets like other tokens, so swapping them is a disposal. NFTs are also chargeable assets subject to CGT on disposal; creating and selling NFTs commercially is taxed as trading income and may involve VAT.
HMRC Cryptoassets ManualScottish taxpayers have different income tax bands, which affect tax on staking and mining income. However, Capital Gains Tax is not devolved — the 18% / 24% CGT rates and the basic-rate-band split use the UK-wide thresholds, not the Scottish bands.
GOV.UK CGT RatesHMRC may allow a negligible value claim where an asset has become worthless, treating it as disposed of and crystallising a capital loss. Losing private keys alone may not qualify. The rules are complex — keep evidence and consider advice from a qualified accountant.
HMRC Losing CryptoassetsImportant Disclaimer
For educational and informational purposes only. This calculator produces estimates of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on cryptoasset disposals based on the inputs provided and HMRC's 2026/27 rules. It applies the £3,000 annual exempt amount and CGT rates of 18% (within the basic rate band) and 24% (within the higher and additional rate bands), as effective from 30 October 2024. Income tax estimates on staking and rewards use the England, Wales and Northern Ireland bands. The calculator simplifies many aspects of crypto taxation and does not capture every transaction type, relief, or individual circumstance.
Not a complete picture of crypto tax. UK crypto taxation depends on the specific nature of each transaction. Staking, mining, airdrops, and crypto received as employment income are generally treated as miscellaneous or trading income rather than capital gains, and may be taxed at marginal income tax rates with a separate £1,000 trading allowance. HMRC's share-pooling (Section 104) rules, the same-day and 30-day matching rules, and DeFi treatment are not modelled here. Scottish taxpayers use different income tax bands, but CGT is not devolved and uses UK-wide thresholds.
No warranty of accuracy. While Money Snap takes reasonable care to source figures from official authorities (HMRC, GOV.UK, FCA), 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, allowances, 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 or tax 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 advice from a qualified accountant or tax adviser, or refer to HMRC directly.
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