Crypto tax in the United Kingdom (2026): rules, rate and deadlines

The main crypto tax rules for private investors in the United Kingdom, in plain language, with the official sources.

Checked November 2026Information, not tax advice

18% / 24%

basic / higher rate

£3,000

tax-free net gains per year

30 days

bought back within: matched with the sale first

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The rules

The rules in the United Kingdom in short

Checked November 2026

What is taxed: Selling crypto for money, swapping one crypto for another (stablecoins included), paying with crypto and giving it away (except to your spouse or civil partner). Staking and other rewards are income.
Rate: Capital Gains Tax: 18% within the basic rate band, 24% above it. Rewards: your normal income tax rate.
Not taxed: The first £3,000 of net gains each tax year. Moving coins between your own wallets and exchanges. Losses can be set off against gains once you have reported them.
Holding period: No holding period. Cost uses the matching order: same day, then the next 30 days, then the average cost of the pool (Section 104), per token across all your exchanges and wallets.
Where to declare: Self Assessment (capital gains pages, with a cryptoasset section), or HMRC's real-time Capital Gains Tax service. Report gains above the allowance; check whether you must also report when total sales exceed £50,000.
Key dates: Tax year 6 April to 5 April. Online Self Assessment return and payment by 31 January after the tax year. Losses must be claimed within 4 years.

Quick estimate · no account needed

What would you pay?

Received for the coins you sold in 2026£What those coins cost you£

Net gain in 2026	£25,000
Tax-free allowance	− £3,000
Taxed part	£22,000
Tax at 24%	£5,280

At the higher rate (24%). Within the basic rate band it is 18%. A simplified example. Your own situation can differ.

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FAQ

Questions people ask

What is taxed on crypto in the United Kingdom?

Selling crypto for money, swapping one crypto for another (stablecoins included), paying with crypto and giving it away (except to your spouse or civil partner). Staking and other rewards are income.

How much tax do you pay on crypto in the United Kingdom?

Capital Gains Tax: 18% within the basic rate band, 24% above it. Rewards: your normal income tax rate.

What is not taxed?

The first £3,000 of net gains each tax year. Moving coins between your own wallets and exchanges. Losses can be set off against gains once you have reported them.

Does it matter how long you hold your crypto?

No holding period. Cost uses the matching order: same day, then the next 30 days, then the average cost of the pool (Section 104), per token across all your exchanges and wallets.

Where do you declare crypto?

Self Assessment (capital gains pages, with a cryptoasset section), or HMRC's real-time Capital Gains Tax service. Report gains above the allowance; check whether you must also report when total sales exceed £50,000.

When do you declare?

Tax year 6 April to 5 April. Online Self Assessment return and payment by 31 January after the tax year. Losses must be claimed within 4 years.

Check it yourself

Official sources

HMRC (GOV.UK) · Check if you need to pay tax when you sell cryptoassetsHMRC's guide: what counts as a disposal (selling, swapping, spending, giving away), the tax year and how to report.
HMRC Cryptoassets Manual · CRYPTO22200: Capital Gains Tax: pooling (same day, 30 day and section 104 rules)The matching rules: same day first, then the next 30 days, then the average cost of the pool per token.
GOV.UK · Capital Gains Tax: rates and allowancesCurrent Capital Gains Tax rates and the yearly tax-free allowance.
GOV.UK · Capital Gains Tax: work out if you need to payWhen you must report gains even with no tax to pay, including the £50,000 limit on total sale proceeds.
HMRC Cryptoassets Manual · Cryptoassets Manual (staking, airdrops and other income)HMRC's full manual, including staking, airdrops and other crypto income.

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Information, not tax advice. Rules change; check your return with your tax authority or an accountant. All sources & methods