HMRC sends warning to cryptoasset users

HMRC sends warning to cryptoasset users

10 Jan 2024

As the use of cryptoassets continues to grow HMRC is warning people to check if they need to complete a self assessment tax return for the 2022/23 tax year and avoid potential penalties.

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 are 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.

The deadline to complete a tax return and pay any tax owed is 31 January 2024. HMRC says that those unsure whether they need to complete a tax return can check by using the free online tool on GOV.UK.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, said: 'People sometimes forget that information about crypto-related income and gains need to be included in their tax return. Some people affected may not have had to do a tax return before, so it is important people check. With the self assessment deadline just a matter of weeks away, I am urging people not to put off completing it.'

Please contact us if you require any help or advice with self assessment.