Bitcoin Tax in Australia
Bitcoin is a CGT asset: selling, swapping, converting to dollars or spending it is a CGT event, and the gain is taxed at your marginal rate, with the 50% discount if you held it at least 12 months. Crypto held as an investment isn't a personal use asset.
Facts checked 26 October 2026 · Not financial, legal or tax advice
At a glance
| What you sell | How the gain is taxed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin and other crypto | Gain at your marginal rate; 50% discount after 12 months. | Each crypto is a separate CGT asset. |
How bitcoin gains are taxed
- Crypto is a CGT asset. CGT events include selling, gifting, swapping one crypto for another, converting to dollars and using it to buy goods or services.
- Held at least 12 months, the 50% discount can apply.
- Crypto is a personal use asset (exempt) only if kept mainly to buy things for personal use; crypto held as an investment isn't.
- Each crypto asset is a separate CGT asset; convert values to Australian dollars and keep records of every transaction.
Reporting
- Report capital gains in myTax or on the paper return.
- The ATO's crypto data-matching program compares returns with data from exchanges.
Losses
- Capital losses reduce capital gains; a net capital loss can't be deducted from other income but carries forward.
- Losses on collectables can only offset gains on collectables; losses on personal use assets are ignored.
Bitcoin Tax in Australia: FAQ
How is crypto taxed in Australia?
Crypto is a CGT asset: selling, swapping, converting or spending it triggers CGT on the gain at your marginal rate, with a 50% discount if you held it at least 12 months.
Does the ATO know about my crypto?
The ATO runs a data-matching program that compares tax returns with records from crypto exchanges.
Sources (3)
General information about the rules for individual investors, checked October 2026. Tax depends on your circumstances and residence; check with the tax authority or an adviser. Not tax advice.