How is cryptocurrency taxed in Australia?

For most investors the ATO treats cryptocurrency as a CGT asset. Selling, swapping or spending it is a capital gains tax event: you make a capital gain or loss equal to the proceeds minus the cost base. Net capital gains are added to your assessable income and taxed at your marginal rate.

What is the 50% CGT discount on crypto?

If you are an individual and hold a crypto asset for more than 12 months before disposing of it, you generally qualify for a 50% capital gains tax discount, meaning only half of the gain is taxed. Capital losses are applied before the discount.

Do I pay tax if I make a capital loss on crypto?

No tax is payable on a capital loss, but the loss can be used to offset capital gains in the same year. Any unused capital losses carry forward to future years. Capital losses cannot offset ordinary income such as salary.

When is the crypto tax deadline in Australia?

The Australian financial year ends on 30 June. Disposals on or before 30 June fall in that financial year. Individual tax returns are generally due by 31 October, or later if you lodge through a registered tax agent.

Crypto CGT & EOFY estimator

Estimate the capital gains tax on your crypto the Australian way - with the ATO 50% discount and your marginal rate. Private, in your browser.

Your disposals

Enter prices per unit (per coin) in AUD - quantity does the rest. A swap or spend counts as a sell at its market value.

AssetQtyBuy / unitBuy dateSell / unitSell date

Your situation

Other taxable income this year (salary, etc.)

Carried-forward capital losses (optional)

Financial year

Include 2% Medicare levy

How this is worked out

Each disposal's gain is proceeds − cost base (quantity × price each side).
Capital losses reduce your gains, applied to non-discount gains first to your benefit.
Gains on assets held over 12 months get the 50% discount - only half is taxed.
The net capital gain is added to your income and taxed at your marginal rate.

What it does not cover

Trader vs investor status, or business income treatment.
The narrow personal-use-asset exemption, and CGT events other than disposal.
Medicare levy surcharge, offsets, HECS/HELP, or the low-income Medicare threshold.
Staking, airdrops and rewards taxed as ordinary income on receipt.

An estimate, not tax advice. This tool is general information only and uses simplified assumptions; your actual position depends on your circumstances. It is not a substitute for a registered tax agent or the ATO. Coindaily is operated by Block Media Pty Ltd (ACN 671 787 965) and does not hold an AFSL. For the rules, see the ATO crypto guidance.