Answers · UK 2025/26

How much capital gains tax do I pay on £20,000 of crypto profit in 2026/27?

On a £20,000 crypto gain for 2026/27 you first deduct the £3,000 annual exempt amount, leaving £17,000 taxable. A basic-rate taxpayer pays 18% (£3,060) and a higher or additional-rate taxpayer pays 24% (£4,080). The rate depends on your total income plus the gain.

Last updated: 7 June 2026Last reviewed: 7 June 2026How we verify

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Cryptocurrency is treated as an asset for Capital Gains Tax, so selling, swapping or spending crypto at a profit can create a taxable gain. For 2026/27 you have a £3,000 annual exempt amount, so a £20,000 gain leaves £17,000 taxable after that allowance. The rate depends on where the gain falls when stacked on top of your income: gains within your remaining basic-rate band are taxed at 18%, and gains above the higher-rate threshold are taxed at 24%. For a basic-rate taxpayer with room in their band, the tax is 18% of £17,000, which is £3,060. For a higher or additional-rate taxpayer, it is 24% of £17,000, which is £4,080. Many people have a mix, with part of the gain taxed at 18% and the rest at 24% once it crosses £50,270 of total income. Crypto-to-crypto trades count as disposals even if you never convert to pounds, so each trade may produce a gain or loss calculated using the pooled cost of your holdings. Losses can be offset against gains in the same year or carried forward if reported to HMRC. You must report and pay through Self Assessment, with tax due by 31 January after the tax year. Keeping detailed records of every transaction, including dates, values in pounds and fees, is essential because HMRC receives data from exchanges. Use the Capital Gains Tax calculator to enter your gain and income and see the tax due.