How much CGT do I pay on Bitcoin in the UK in 2026/27?

Gains above the £3,000 Annual Exempt Amount are taxed at 18% inside your basic-rate band and 24% above it, following the rates set by the October 2024 Budget and unchanged for 2026/27.

What is the UK CGT allowance for Bitcoin in 2026/27?

The Annual Exempt Amount stays at £3,000 per individual for the 2026/27 tax year. Gains within this allowance are tax-free; only the excess is taxable.

Does holding Bitcoin longer change the CGT rate?

No. The UK has no long-term discount for crypto. HMRC pools all BTC under Section 104 with a weighted-average cost basis and applies the same 18%/24% rates regardless of how long you held.

Can I offset Bitcoin losses against other income or future gains?

Capital losses cannot offset income, but once reported to HMRC they can be set against any other capital gains in the same year and carried forward indefinitely.

When is the Self Assessment deadline for 2026/27 gains?

Online Self Assessment for the 2026/27 tax year is due by 31 January 2028. You must report gains if total disposals exceed £50,000 in the year or if you are already in Self Assessment, even when within the allowance.

UKHMRC CRYPTO22000 series + TCGA 1992 Annual Exempt Amount

UK Bitcoin CGT Calculator 2026/27

£3,000 annual exempt amount, then 18% inside the basic-rate band and 24% above it. Enter your other taxable income so the rate split is accurate.

£3,000 allowance
18% basic
24% higher rate

Live BTC£59,889

Quick Answer

In the UK, selling Bitcoin is a capital gains event, with gains above the annual exempt amount taxed at the basic or higher rate. This calculator applies HMRC share-pooling rules, including the same-day and 30-day matching tests, and estimates the CGT you owe.

Estimate your tax

Enter amount in GBP (£).

Sale proceeds (£)

Cost basis (£)

Holding period (months)

Other taxable income (this tax year)

Estimated tax

£5,264

Taxable base

£27,000

Effective rate

19.5%

£3,000 annual CGT allowance. 18% in basic band, 24% above (2026/27). Estimate only — consult a qualified tax advisor for filing.

Effective tax rate by gain size (GBP)

Allowance and cess/TDS effects mean small gains carry a different effective rate than large ones.

Worked examples

Basic-rate part-time trader

Proceeds£12,000

Cost basis£6,000

Holding14 mo

Estimated tax£540

Effective rate9.0%

Higher-rate professional

Proceeds£60,000

Cost basis£20,000

Holding24 mo

Estimated tax£8,880

Effective rate22.2%

Whale full exit

Proceeds£500,000

Cost basis£100,000

Holding60 mo

Estimated tax£95,280

Effective rate23.8%

Bitcoin tax — country comparison

Jurisdiction	Tax year	Headline rate	Allowance	Long-term rule
INIndia	FY 2026-27	30% flat + 4% cess	None	No benefit — flat regardless of holding
UKUnited Kingdom	2026/27	18% basic / 24% higher	£3,000 / year	Same rate — pooled cost basis (Section 104)
DEGermany	2026	Marginal income rate	€1,000 / year	0% after >12 months (Section 23 EStG)
USUnited States	2026	10–37% short / 0/15/20% long	Standard deduction only	Preferential long-term rate after 1 yr

How we calculate

Pool BTC under Section 104: every unit shares a weighted-average cost basis.
Apply same-day and 30-day matching rules to disposals.
Subtract the £3,000 Annual Exempt Amount (2026/27).
Stack the taxable gain on top of other income; tax basic-band slice at 18%, the rest at 24%.
Losses can be claimed and carried forward indefinitely if reported.

Sources

Last reviewed: June 2026 · Estimate only. Consult a qualified tax advisor before filing.