Paying tax on cryptoasset transactions

HMRC recently launched a new campaign targeted at crypto investors as part of a crackdown on tax evasion. They have introduced a new disclosure and payment service for taxpayers to voluntarily disclose and pay any unpaid taxes associated with cryptoassets.

Cryptoassets (also known as tokens or cryptocurrencies) include exchange tokens (for example, bitcoin), non-fungible tokens and utility tokens.

HMRC view the profits or losses incurred from buying and selling such cryptoassets as liable for capital gains tax. Only in exceptional circumstances would they recognise crypto trading as a taxable 'business' trade.

With use of cryptoassets growing, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging people to avoid potential penalties and check if they need to complete a Self Assessment tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year.

Anyone with cryptoassets should declare any income or gains above the tax-free allowance on a tax return. Tax may be due when a person:

• receives cryptoassets from employment, if they’re held as part of a trade, or are involved in crypto-related activities that generate an income
• sells or exchanges cryptoassets, including:
• selling cryptoassets for money
• exchanging one type of cryptoasset for another
• using cryptoassets to make purchases
• gifting cryptoassets to another person
• donating cryptoassets to charity

Visit GOV.UK to find out more information about how cryptoassets are taxed.

Many who own cryptoassets may not be aware of the tax obligations on these digital assets. This voluntary disclosure service provides an opportunity to put things right with potentially lower penalties than if HMRC discover the underpayment for themselves.

Such a discovery is likely to become easier for HMRC. Tax avoidance from using cryptoassets is a subject of international concern, and there are moves to require crypto platforms to share taxpayer information with tax authorities.

If you or anyone you know needs any advice or help in this area, please don't hesitate to contact us.

See: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tell-hmrc-about-unpaid-tax-on-cryptoassets

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