Can you cash out crypto tax-free? – TaxScouts (2024)

TaxScouts -> Guides

  • 2 min read
  • Last updated 16 Apr 2024

If you make a profit from trading Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, or any other cryptocurrency, then you might want to know if you can cash out crypto tax-free. Crypto trading is becoming more and more popular, especially with younger traders who are keen to start their first investment portfolios.

However, although these crypto assets have the potential to make you lots of money, it doesn’t mean that they’re not subject to tax. HMRC might not deem crypto to be actual money, but they still see it as a type of personal investment. Like property or shares, any profits you make from buying or selling crypto is taxable.

What is crypto?

Crypto, or cryptocurrency, is a form of digital asset that can be used online for the exchange of goods and services.

There are more than 6,700 different cryptocurrencies that are being traded publicly. Some of the most popular types of crypto include:

  • Bitcoin
  • Litecoin
  • Tether
  • Cardano
  • Bitcoin Cash
  • Ethereum
  • Zcash
  • Stella Lumen

Why is crypto becoming so popular to trade?

  • Crypto is believed to be the currency of the future. Many people are investing in them, and buying and selling different types for profit. Some are buying them now before they become more valuable.
  • Most cryptocurrencies remove the central banking element from managing money supplies. Over time, banks usually reduce the value of money via inflation. This doesn’t happen with crypto.
  • It’s more secure. Crypto uses a technology called blockchain, which is a decentralised processing and recording system that is thought to be more secure than traditional payment methods.
  • Some people are using crypto as a way to move money more cheaply and easily.

Because of these reasons, the value and potential of crypto is increasing. As a result, more and more traders are looking to invest in crypto to make profits and increase their investment portfolios.

Why can you not cash out crypto tax-free?

At different points in its thirteen year history, crypto has fluctuated in value. For example, anyone who bought Bitcoin in 2008 when it was worth fractions of a pound could potentially have made hundreds of millions of pounds in profit in 2021 when its value hit around £40,000.

Crypto trading has a reputation of being like gambling, but unlike gambling, you’ll most likely be liable to pay tax on your profits.

If you hold crypto as a personal investment, you’re liable to pay Capital Gains Tax on any profit you make from them. You’ll only pay CGT on the profit above your Capital Gains Tax allowance, which is £3,000 for the 2024/25 tax year. It was previously £6,000 in the 2023/24 tax year. Plus, you could be subject to other taxes depending on your situation.

Can you cash out crypto tax-free? – TaxScouts (1)

If your crypto profits exceed the Capital Gains Tax allowance, you’ll have to pay tax at the following rates:

Your situation

Can you cash out crypto tax-free? – TaxScouts (2)Can you cash out crypto tax-free? – TaxScouts (3)

Tax and profit

Can you cash out crypto tax-free? – TaxScouts (4)

  • Your profit from
    shares

    £20,000

    £3,000 tax-free CGT allowance

    ?

  • Capital Gains Tax to pay

    £3,273

  • Profit after tax

    £16,727

How your capital gains tax is calculated

The total capital gains tax (CGT) you owe depends on two things:

  • How much you earn in total
  • What type of assets you sell

Your overall earnings determine how much of your capital gains are taxed at – 10% or 20%.
Our capital gains tax rates guide explains this in more detail.

In your case where your capital gains from shares were £20,000 and your total annual earnings were £69,000:

Capital gains tax (CGT) breakdown

You pay no CGT on the first £3,000 that you make

You pay £127 at 10% tax rate for the next £1,270 of your capital gains

You pay £3,146 at 20% tax rate on the remaining £15,730 of your capital gains

Tax bill amount £3,273

I want to pay by

Savings frequency

You need to save

£4.91 per day

to pay your £3,273.00 tax bill by 31/1/2026 which is in 666 days

What happens if I don’t declare my crypto profits to HMRC?

You might be surprised to know that the penalties for not declaring your crypto profits can be very severe!

The UK was actually one of the first countries to introduce tax on crypto assets. HMRC is very active in tracking down cryptocurrency tax avoiders, and they’ve even started working with crypto platforms to do this. Coinbase recently handed over information on UK customers who made more than £5000 worth of cryptocurrency between 2017 and 2019 to HMRC.

It’s important to understand that HMRC will not stop its pursuit in finding crypto tax avoiders, so it’s best to be proactive and report and pay your tax in time to avoid any late penalties and further prosecution.

Filing a crypto tax return?

Well, listen up. We teamed up with Koinly to bring you a quick and easy solution: a tool to create crypto tax reports. Want to get your crypto tax report generated and tax return filed all in one? Look no further. Up to 1000 transactions totally free!

Learn more

See more on:

  • capital gains tax
  • crypto
  • invest

Looking for tax help?

Or see our Guides, Calculators or Taxopedia

Can you cash out crypto tax-free? – TaxScouts (2024)

FAQs

Can you cash out crypto tax-free? – TaxScouts? ›

Like property or shares, any profits you make from buying or selling crypto is taxable.

How do I cash out cryptocurrency tax free? ›

There is no way to legally avoid taxes when cashing out cryptocurrency. However, strategies like tax-loss harvesting can help you reduce your tax bill legally. Converting crypto to fiat currency is subject to capital gains tax. However, simply moving cryptocurrency from one wallet to another is considered non-taxable.

How to convert cryptocurrency into cash? ›

To withdraw money from crypto to your bank account, first, sell your cryptocurrency on a crypto exchange that supports fiat currency withdrawals (like Mudrex). Link your bank account to the exchange, initiate a withdrawal request, and the converted funds should arrive in your bank account within a few business days.

Do you have to pay taxes on crypto if you didn't sell? ›

US taxpayers do not have to pay taxes simply for holding crypto. Taxes only apply when you earn, sell, or exchange crypto.

Can you cash out crypto? ›

You can cash out bitcoins for real money through exchanges, peer-to-peer platforms, or Bitcoin ATMs. Each method offers different fees and processes, so choose one that suits your needs.

How much crypto can I withdraw tax free? ›

Capital Gains UK Tax Free Allowance

HMRC cut the Capital Gains Tax Allowance from £12,300 a year to £6,000 a year for the 2023 - 2024 financial year. This halved again for the current 2024 - 2025 financial year to £3,000. Let's look at how much Capital Gains Tax you'll pay on your crypto.

Can you spend crypto tax free? ›

The IRS treats cryptocurrencies as property for tax purposes, which means: You pay taxes on cryptocurrency if you sell or use your crypto in a transaction, and it is worth more than it was when you purchased it. This is because you trigger capital gains or losses if its market value has changed.

How to transfer crypto to bank account? ›

Cash out your funds
  1. Sign into Coinbase.com.
  2. Select My Assets.
  3. Select your cash balance.
  4. Select Cash out and enter the amount.
  5. Select Transfer to and choose the destination.
  6. Select Review.
  7. Select Withdraw cash.

Is there a fee to convert crypto to cash? ›

Hundreds of online exchanges exist that let you buy, sell, and trade digital currencies. Typical costs might include fund transfer fees to/from your bank account, maker/taker fees, set transaction fees, or tiered transaction fees based on trading volume.

How do crypto millionaires cash out? ›

What are the different ways to cash out large amounts of Bitcoin?
  1. Crypto Exchange.
  2. Peer-to-Peer (P2P)
  3. Crypto debit card.
  4. OTC trading desk.
Apr 12, 2024

Will I get in trouble for not reporting crypto on taxes? ›

Failing to report crypto on your taxes can lead to severe consequences for US taxpayers, including fines of up to $100,000 and potential imprisonment. Filing your crypto taxes is crucial to avoid escalating penalties and legal issues.

Do I pay taxes on crypto if I lost money? ›

If you sell your crypto for a loss, the IRS allows you to offset losses against other income on your tax return. These so-called “realized losses” can be used to offset other taxable investment profits. When you hear the term “realized,” it usually means that an asset was sold.

Do I have to report my cryptocurrency to the IRS? ›

If you have digital asset transactions, you must report them whether or not they result in a taxable gain or loss.

How to cash out crypto without paying taxes? ›

Cashing Out Cryptocurrency

Long-term investors who cash out on cryptocurrency often get taxed at the long-term capital gains rate. However, if you held onto crypto for over a year before selling, you would pay less or no taxes depending on your income level and filing status.

How to turn crypto to cash? ›

Here are five ways you can cash out your crypto or Bitcoin.
  1. Use an exchange to sell crypto. ...
  2. Use your broker to sell crypto. ...
  3. Go with a peer-to-peer trade. ...
  4. Cash out at a Bitcoin ATM. ...
  5. Trade one crypto for another and then cash out.
Feb 9, 2024

Why won't Coinbase let me cash out? ›

Funds on hold

When you use a linked bank account (ACH) to buy crypto or add cash to your account balance, the funds are placed on hold and won't be immediately available to send or cash out. Think of this like depositing a check to your bank account and having to wait for it to clear before you can remove the funds.

How much tax will I pay if I withdraw crypto? ›

‍Short-term capital gains tax: If you've held your cryptocurrency for less than a year, your disposals will be subject to short-term capital gains tax. For tax purposes, this is treated the same as ordinary income and can range from 10% - 37% depending on your income level.

How to cash out large amounts of crypto? ›

What are the different ways to cash out large amounts of Bitcoin?
  1. Crypto Exchange.
  2. Peer-to-Peer (P2P)
  3. Crypto debit card.
  4. OTC trading desk.
Apr 12, 2024

How to take profits from crypto without selling? ›

The most common way to earn passive income with DeFi is through lending protocols. These platforms allow you to lend your crypto assets to other users in exchange for interest payments. Interest rates on these platforms are often much higher than traditional banks, making them a great way to boost earnings.

How long do I have to hold crypto to avoid taxes? ›

Quick Look: 11 Ways to Minimize Your Crypto Tax Liability

When you hold your cryptocurrency for 12 months or longer, you pay a lower tax rate (0-20%). Dispose of crypto in a year when your income is lower than you expect it to be in the future. Giving a cryptocurrency gift is not subject to tax in most cases.

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