Crypto Capital Gains Tax Calculator 2026/27
Estimate CGT on a simplified cryptocurrency disposal in 2026/27. Enter your figures below — results update instantly.
How it works
HMRC treats cryptocurrency as a capital asset, not currency. Each disposal (sale, swap, or use of crypto to buy goods) is a separate CGT event. This calculator uses 2026/27 rates:
- Gross gain = disposal proceeds minus acquisition cost minus fees.
- Deduct capital losses, then the annual exempt amount (£3,000).
- Apply 18% to gains in the basic-rate band and 24% to the remainder.
Rules this calculator does not cover
- Same-day rule: If you buy and sell the same token on the same day, the sale is matched to the day's purchases first.
- 30-day rule (bed-and-breakfasting): If you sell and re-buy the same token within 30 days, the sale is matched to the re-purchase cost, not your pool cost.
- Section 104 pool: For all other holdings, HMRC uses a pooled average cost across all purchases of that token.
- Staking rewards, airdrops, hard forks and DeFi transactions may be treated differently — some may be income, not capital gains.
Worked example
Disposal proceeds £15,000 minus acquisition cost £5,000 minus fees £200 = gross gain of £9,800. After the £3,000 annual exempt amount, £6,800 is taxable. With income of £40,000, £10,270 of basic-rate band remains, so the full £6,800 is charged at 18% — a total of £1,224.
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Frequently asked questions
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Is swapping one crypto for another a taxable event?
Yes. HMRC treats a swap (e.g. Bitcoin for Ethereum) as a disposal of the first token at its market value in GBP on the date of the swap. CGT may be due on any gain.
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Are staking rewards taxable?
Staking rewards are generally treated as income at the point of receipt, not capital gains. You may also owe CGT when you later dispose of those tokens.
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What records do I need?
HMRC requires records of all crypto transactions: dates, amounts in GBP, wallet addresses and transaction IDs. Keep these for at least five years after the Self Assessment deadline for the relevant tax year.
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Do I need to report crypto losses?
Yes — if you want to claim losses to offset future gains, you must report them to HMRC, even if you don't owe any tax that year.
Related calculators
This calculator provides estimates for guidance only and does not constitute tax or financial advice. Crypto tax rules are complex and can change. Consult a qualified tax adviser before making decisions based on these figures.