The tax treatment of cryptoassets such as Bitcoin can be complex. However, in simple terms, HMRC sees the profit or loss made by buying and selling crypto fall under Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
HMRC to introduce new tax reporting rules next year, which are set to affect millions of Brits. From January 1, 2026, crypto exchanges and marketplaces will need to collect and report information on users and transactions to HMRC in a bid to clamp down on tax avoidance.
The new rules will apply to both individuals and businesses who buy and sell cryptoassets. The tax treatment of cryptoassets such as Bitcoin can be complex. However, in simple terms, HMRC sees the profit or loss made by buying and selling crypto fall under Capital Gains Tax (CGT).
Recent data from the Financial Conduct Authority suggests that around 12% of UK adults – which equates to more than six million people – now hold some form of cryptocurrency.
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From January next year, Brits will need to provide their name, date of birth, home address, country of residence, and – if based in the UK – their National Insurance number or Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) to the platform they use.
Overseas investors will also need to provide their tax identification number and the issuing country.
Meanwhile, businesses buying and selling cryptocurrency must share their business name, registered address, and relevant company registration or tax identification details, depending on their location.
Platforms will also be required to report the value, type, and nature of each crypto transaction, along with the number of crypto units involved.
Exchanges that fail to comply with HMRC’s new rules potentially face fines of up to £300 per user for submitting “inaccurate or incomplete reports”.
Seb Maley, CEO of tax insurance provider Qdos, said HMRC was “casting” its net far and wide as part of its crackdown on suspected tax avoidance and non-compliance within the cryptocurrency sector.
He said: “By collecting the personal information of those buying and selling crypto – along with the values being exchanged – HMRC will know how much tax should be paid on these assets.
“In simple terms, if the income a taxpayer declares on their self-assessment tax return doesn’t match up with the amount reported by these platforms, HMRC has the information it needs to launch a tax investigation.”
If a HMRC investigation concludes that there is tax to pay on your cryptoassets that have not been paid, then Brits could face a penalty, which can be up to 100% of the tax due, as well as interest due on any late payments.
Seb added: “These rules are another sign of ways HMRC is working with tax authorities globally to align on how to police compliance – particularly in fast-growing, digital industries, such as crypto and the gig economy.
“The key takeaway here is that the tax office will have even more data at its fingertips. Those buying and selling crypto need to be confident in their compliance.”
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