Crypto tax in United Kingdom
Capital Gains Tax at 24% for higher rate. £3,000 annual exempt amount.
- Short-term rate
- 24%
- Long-term rate
- 24%
- Treatment
- Capital gains tax
- Currency
- GBP
How United Kingdom taxes crypto
HMRC treats crypto as an asset subject to Capital Gains Tax. The rate is 10% for basic rate taxpayers and 24% for higher rate taxpayers. There is a £3,000 tax-free allowance per year. No distinction between short and long-term holding periods.
The same rate applies however long you held.
A 10,000 GBP gain, settled
| Held | Rate | Taken | Kept |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term | 24% | 2,400 | 7,600 |
This is the arithmetic the app runs on your device. Real liability depends on your residency, income, allowances and how the authority classifies your activity. Treat it as an estimate and check with a qualified adviser before you act.
Elsewhere in Europe
| Jurisdiction | Short-term | Long-term |
|---|---|---|
| Czechia | 23% | — |
| Georgia | — | — |
| Germany | 45% | — |
| Luxembourg | 42% | — |
| Malta | 35% | — |
| Portugal | 28% | — |
| Switzerland | — | — |
| Turkey | — | — |
Headline rate last checked 31 July 2026 · methodology