How is Crypto Taxed in the UK?

HMRC treats cryptocurrency as property, not currency. When you sell, swap, or spend crypto, it's a disposal subject to Capital Gains Tax. You're taxed on the gain — the difference between what you paid and what you received.

Crypto CGT Rates

Crypto gains are taxed as "other assets" (not residential property): 10% for basic rate taxpayers and 20% for higher rate taxpayers, after the £3,000 annual exemption.

What Counts as a Taxable Event?

Selling crypto for GBP, swapping one crypto for another, spending crypto on goods/services, and gifting crypto (except to spouse) are all taxable disposals. Simply holding or transferring between your own wallets is not taxable.

See our capital gains tax calculator for other assets.

What This Calculator Does

This calculator estimates your Capital Gains Tax on cryptocurrency disposals for 2025/26, using HMRC guidelines for digital assets. It is designed for anyone who has sold, swapped, or spent cryptocurrency at a profit in the UK.

How the Calculation Works

HMRC treats crypto as property, not currency. Each disposal is assessed for gain using the section 104 pooled cost basis. The annual exempt amount (£3,000) is deducted, and gains are taxed at 10% or 20% depending on your income tax band.

Common Scenarios

Selling Bitcoin with a £20,000 gain as a higher-rate taxpayer would cost roughly £3,400 in CGT. If your total crypto gains are under £3,000, no tax is due thanks to the annual exempt amount.

Related Calculators

You might also find these useful: Capital Gains Tax, Self Employed, Dividend Tax. Or use our main salary calculator for a complete take-home pay breakdown.