New tax rules coming into effect in the UK in January 2026 aim to enhance tax collection from crypto investors.
New Reporting Requirements
Under the new rules, crypto exchanges and service providers must collect and report users' full personal details and transaction summaries to the tax authority. Investors are required to provide their full name, address, date of birth, tax residence, National Insurance number, and a summary of their crypto transactions.
Enforcement Against Evasion
Exchequer Secretary James Murray stated that the new rules demonstrate the government's commitment to cracking down on tax evaders. HMRC has warned that investors who fail to comply with the reporting requirements may face fines of up to £300 ($407) per user.
Cryptocurrency as Property
In September 2024, the UK government introduced the 'Property (Digital Assets) Bill,' which recognizes digital holdings, including cryptocurrencies and tokens, as personal property. This legislation has empowered the government to impose capital gains taxes on digital assets.
The tightening of tax regulations for crypto investors in the UK underscores the government's effort to ensure compliance with tax laws and increase tax revenue.