HMRC expects UK crypto investors to report capital gains. The right software calculates Section 104 pooling, the 30-day rule, and produces a report ready for self-assessment. Here's what to use.
⚠️ HMRC Crypto Tax Reminder
UK self-assessment deadline: 31 January for online filing. CGT allowance 2024/25: £3,000. Always consult a qualified UK crypto tax accountant for significant holdings. See HMRC cryptoassets guidance.
#1
Koinly
Best for UKFree to track · from £49/year for reportsMost popular crypto tax tool for UK users. Full HMRC compliance, 700+ exchange integrations, clean interface. Free to track; pay only when you download tax reports.
HMRC rules: ✅ Section 104, 30-day rule, B&B ruleExchanges: 700+Free reports: No — upgrade required
#2
Recap
UK-BuiltFree plan · paid from £99/yearBuilt specifically for UK crypto tax by a UK company. Fewer integrations than Koinly but depth of HMRC support is excellent. Best for UK users who want a UK-native tool.
HMRC rules: ✅ Built specifically for HMRC rulesExchanges: 50+ (UK-focused)Free reports: Limited on free plan
#3
CoinTracker
Good AlternativeFree plan · paid from $59/yearUS-origin tool with solid UK CGT support. Good for users with holdings across many exchanges. Interface is clean but customer support can be slow. Priced in USD.
HMRC rules: ✅ UK CGT supportExchanges: 500+Free reports: Up to 25 transactions free
Do I need to pay tax on crypto in the UK?＋
Yes. HMRC treats cryptocurrency as a capital asset. You pay Capital Gains Tax on profits when you sell, swap, spend, or gift crypto — minus the annual CGT allowance (£3,000 for 2024/25). You also pay Income Tax on mining rewards, staking income, and airdrops. Crypto tax software automates these calculations.
What is Section 104 pooling and why does it matter?＋
Section 104 pooling is HMRC's method for calculating the cost basis of crypto holdings. Rather than tracking each individual purchase, HMRC pools all purchases of the same coin into an average cost basis. Every UK crypto tax tool must apply Section 104 pooling correctly — manual spreadsheets often get this wrong.
What is the 30-day rule for UK crypto tax?＋
The 30-day rule (bed and breakfasting) prevents you from selling and immediately rebuying to crystallise a loss. If you sell and rebuy the same crypto within 30 days, HMRC uses the repurchase price as the cost basis rather than the Section 104 pool price. Good crypto tax software handles this automatically.
Which exchanges does Koinly support?＋
Koinly integrates with 700+ exchanges and wallets including Coinbase, Kraken, Binance, Bybit, Gemini, Ledger, MetaMask, and most DeFi protocols. CSV import is available for exchanges without direct API support.
Can I use a spreadsheet instead of crypto tax software?＋
Technically yes — but it's very error-prone. Section 104 pooling, the 30-day rule, and bed and breakfasting rules applied across hundreds or thousands of transactions are extremely difficult to calculate manually. For anything more than a handful of trades, use dedicated software. The cost of Koinly is far less than an accountant fixing a spreadsheet error.
Does crypto tax software file with HMRC directly?＋
No UK crypto tax tool currently files directly with HMRC. They generate a Capital Gains Summary and Transaction History report that you (or your accountant) enter into your self-assessment tax return. HMRC's deadline for self-assessment is 31 January for online submissions.
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