CryptoTax UK · Guide
UK crypto tax in the 2025/26 tax year: what you need to know
The 2025/26 tax year (6 April 2025 – 5 April 2026) brings several important developments for UK crypto investors. From CARF data-sharing kicking in to HMRC's updated Self Assessment return, staying current with what's changed protects you from penalties and missed opportunities. Educational only — not tax advice.
Calculate my 2025/26 crypto tax →CGT rates: unchanged at 18% and 24%
Capital Gains Tax rates on crypto remain at 18% for basic-rate taxpayers and 24% for higher and additional-rate taxpayers — the rates that took effect from 30 October 2024. The annual CGT allowance remains at £3,000 per individual. These are the rates that apply to all disposals made in the 2025/26 tax year.
CARF: automatic data sharing from January 2026
The most significant change in 2025/26 is the Cryptoasset Reporting Framework coming into effect from 1 January 2026. All UK-regulated crypto exchanges must now collect and verify your National Insurance number and automatically report your complete transaction history to HMRC each year. This massively increases HMRC's visibility of crypto activity — including users who have not previously declared gains.
HMRC's dedicated crypto section on Self Assessment
For the 2024/25 tax year return (filed by 31 January 2026), HMRC introduced a dedicated crypto section on the Self Assessment return for the first time. This requires taxpayers to specifically disclose crypto activity rather than including it in general capital gains. For 2025/26, this dedicated section continues and HMRC is expected to use it as a cross-reference against CARF data received from exchanges.
Income Tax on crypto: rates unchanged
Income Tax rates are unchanged for 2025/26: 20% basic rate, 40% higher rate, 45% additional rate. Personal Allowance remains at £12,570. Crypto income (staking rewards, mining income, airdrops received for services, and salary paid in crypto) is taxed at these rates. The interaction between crypto income and capital gains — particularly where income pushes you into a higher CGT band — remains an important planning consideration.
Key dates for the 2025/26 tax year
Tax year ends: 5 April 2026. Register for Self Assessment (if new): 5 October 2026. Paper Self Assessment deadline: 31 October 2026. Online Self Assessment deadline and payment due: 31 January 2027. Payment on account due (if applicable): 31 July 2026. Mark these dates now — automatic penalties of £100 apply from day one of late filing.
Frequently asked questions
Has the CGT allowance changed for 2025/26?
No. The CGT allowance remains at £3,000 per individual for 2025/26, the same as 2024/25. There are no announced plans to reduce it further. Each individual — including your spouse — has their own separate £3,000 allowance.
Do I need to report crypto on my 2025/26 Self Assessment even if I made a loss?
You must report disposals where total proceeds exceed four times the CGT allowance (£12,000) even if you made a loss. You should also report losses to HMRC so they can be carried forward. Use the dedicated crypto section of your Self Assessment return.
What happens if I don't file my 2025/26 return by 31 January 2027?
An automatic £100 penalty applies from day one. After 3 months, daily penalties of £10 apply (up to £900). After 6 months, a further 5% of unpaid tax or £300 (whichever is higher) is added. After 12 months, another 5% or £300. Interest also accrues on any unpaid tax.
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Calculate my 2025/26 crypto tax →Educational guidance only. CryptoTax UK is not a regulated tax adviser and the information above does not constitute tax, legal or financial advice. Always confirm your specific position with HMRC or a qualified accountant before filing.