Crypto Assets & UK Tax
A comprehensive guide to how HMRC treats crypto assets, DeFi transactions, and your reporting obligations. Every claim is cited to primary legislation or HMRC guidance.
How HMRC Classifies Crypto Assets
HMRC does not treat crypto as money. Learn the four token categories and why stablecoins are not currency.
Capital Gains Tax on Crypto
Understand when CGT is triggered, current rates and annual exemptions, plus the share-pooling and bed-and-breakfasting rules.
Income Tax on Crypto
Mining, staking, airdrops, salary paid in crypto — when Income Tax applies instead of (or alongside) CGT.
DeFi Lending Tax Treatment
The beneficial-ownership test for DeFi lending — when depositing tokens is a disposal and when it is not.
DeFi Borrowing Tax Treatment
How HMRC treats DeFi borrowing — acquisition cost, disposal on repayment, and why interest is not deductible against capital gains.
Collateral — The Critical Question
Is posting collateral a disposal? The answer depends entirely on the protocol. Learn the test and what happens on liquidation.
Worked Example: ETH on Aave
A step-by-step walkthrough of depositing ETH collateral on Aave V3, borrowing stablecoins, repaying, and handling liquidation.
Staking, Liquidity & Token Swaps
Proof-of-Stake, liquid staking (stETH, rETH), AMM liquidity provision, impermanent loss, wrapping, bridging, and token migrations.
NFTs — Tax Treatment
How HMRC taxes minting, buying, selling, and earning royalties on non-fungible tokens.
Record-Keeping & Reporting
What records HMRC requires, how long to keep them, Self Assessment reporting thresholds, and HMRC's data-gathering powers.
UK Case Law & FCA Framework
Court decisions that shape UK crypto tax law, the FCA's regulatory perimeter, and what activities require (or don't require) FCA registration.
What You Can and Cannot Do
The legal boundary between education and advice, financial promotions rules, and the full list of UK governing bodies and regulations.
Disclaimer: Educational content only. Not financial, tax, or legal advice. CoreFi is not authorised or regulated by the FCA. Consult a qualified professional for personalised guidance.