Crypto Tax UK – HMRC Rules, CGT and Share Matching
Apply HMRC share matching, calculate capital gains and prepare your Self Assessment crypto report.
UK crypto taxes are governed by HMRC. Disposals of cryptocurrency – including sales, swaps, and payments – are subject to Capital Gains Tax. CoinTaxReporting applies the required share matching order automatically: same-day acquisitions first, then the 30-day bed-and-breakfast rule, then the Section 104 pool.
You receive a structured report with disposal-level matching evidence, net gains and losses, and income events (staking, airdrops) – ready for Self Assessment filing or accountant review.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
What is the CGT annual allowance for crypto in the UK?
For 2024/25 the annual CGT allowance is £3,000. Gains below this threshold in the tax year are tax-free.
What CGT rates apply to crypto in the UK?
For 2024/25: 18% (basic rate taxpayers) and 24% (higher/additional rate taxpayers) on crypto gains.
Are crypto-to-crypto swaps taxable in the UK?
Yes. HMRC treats a swap of one cryptocurrency for another as a disposal, triggering a potential capital gain or loss.
How is staking income taxed in the UK?
Staking rewards are generally treated as miscellaneous income, taxable at Income Tax rates at the point of receipt.
UK Crypto Tax – the rules every investor needs to know
HMRC has issued detailed guidance on cryptoassets since 2019. Capital gains arise on every disposal – including swaps between cryptocurrencies, spending crypto, and gifting (except to a spouse). The annual CGT allowance for 2024/25 is £3,000. Gains above this are taxed at 18% (basic rate) or 24% (higher/additional rate).
Share Matching – the calculation order that matters
- Same-day rule: Match disposals against acquisitions on the same day first
- 30-day rule (bed & breakfast): Match against acquisitions in the following 30 days
- Section 104 pool: Remaining quantity matched against pooled average cost basis
This order directly affects your taxable gain. Buying back within 30 days of selling prevents you from banking a loss – a common planning pitfall. CoinTaxReporting applies this order automatically across all imports.
Income vs. Capital Gains – two separate tax treatments
- Capital Gains Tax: Applies to disposals (sales, swaps, payments) – 18% or 24%
- Income Tax: Applies to staking rewards, mining income, and airdrops received for a service – 20%, 40%, or 45% depending on tax band
- Cost basis for staking rewards: The market value at receipt becomes the cost basis for any future disposal of those tokens
Self Assessment – what to report
Crypto gains are reported via Self Assessment. The deadline for online filing is 31 January following the tax year end (5 April). You must report gains even if below the allowance if total proceeds exceed 4× the annual allowance (£12,000 for 2024/25).