A Comprehensive Guide to Capital Gains Tax on Crypto

Cryptocurrency has become a popular investment category in recent years. As with any asset, investors must understand their tax obligations, including Capital Gains Tax (CGT), which applies when crypto assets are sold or exchanged. This article will guide you through working out capital gains on crypto when CGT applies and how to report it.

 

When Capital Gains Tax Applies to Crypto

For most Australian taxpayers, cryptocurrency is classified as a CGT asset with CGT payable when certain events occur, including:

 

  • Selling crypto for fiat currency (e.g. Australian dollars)
  • Gifting crypto to another person
  • Trading or swapping one crypto asset for another
  • Purchasing goods or services with crypto
  • Converting crypto to another type of currency

 

Each of these scenarios counts as a CGT event and may result in either a capital gain or a capital loss.

 

Working Out the Timing of the CGT Event

The timing of the CGT event is essential for calculating your tax obligations. Generally, a CGT event occurs when you dispose of your crypto asset, which could be when you:

 

  • Sell the asset
  • Exchange or trade one crypto asset for another
  • Use it to pay for goods or services

 

Other CGT events can include destroying or losing your assets and creating new contractual rights. It's essential to keep accurate records of these events to ensure that your CGT calculations are correct.

 

How to Calculate Your Capital Gains Tax

To calculate your CGT, you must assess whether you made a capital gain or a loss. Here's how.

 

  • Determine the cost base: This is what you originally paid for the crypto asset, including transaction fees and other incidental costs.
  • Determine the capital proceeds: This is the value you received from the disposal of the crypto asset. For instance, if you sold your crypto, the sale price (in Australian dollars) is your capital proceeds.
  • Calculate the difference: If your capital proceeds exceed your cost base, you have made a capital gain. If they are less, you have incurred a capital loss.
  • Apply the CGT discount: If you held your crypto asset for more than 12 months before the CGT event, you may be entitled to a 50% discount on your capital gain (if you are an individual taxpayer).

 

Remember, while capital losses can reduce your capital gains in the same tax year, they cannot be deducted from other income.

 

Reporting CGT on Crypto in Your Tax Return

Once you've calculated your capital gain or loss, the next step is to report it in your tax return.

 

  • Individual Taxpayers can report capital gains or losses using the Capital Gains section in myTax if lodging online or following the paper return instructions manually.
  • For Companies, Trusts, or Funds: The Capital Gains Tax Schedule should be used to report any CGT events involving crypto assets.

 

Keeping Records for Crypto Transactions

To make your CGT calculations and reporting easier, it's vital to maintain accurate records of all crypto transactions, including:

 

  • The dates of each transaction
  • The value of the cryptocurrency in Australian dollars at the time of each transaction
  • What the transaction was for (e.g., purchase, sale, swap)
  • Details of any associated transaction fees

 

You can also use online calculators and record-keeping tools provided by tax authorities to simplify this process.

 

Know Your Obligations

Paying capital gains tax on crypto may seem daunting but understanding when CGT applies and how to calculate it is essential for every investor. Crypto assets are treated like other investment assets for tax purposes, so staying informed and organized will help you avoid potential pitfalls and ensure a smooth tax season. For more information, visit the ATO's advice on Crypto CGT or contact Ascent Accountants for advice. 

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