Australia Cryptocurrency Tax
Detailed cryptocurrency tax rates and rules for Australia in 2026.
The ATO treats cryptocurrency and other digital assets as property (CGT assets), not as currency or foreign currency. Disposing of cryptocurrency — whether by selling, exchanging, gifting, or using it to purchase goods and services — is a CGT event that may result in a capital gain or loss. If the cryptocurrency was held for more than 12 months, the 50% CGT discount applies, reducing the effective top rate to approximately 23%. Cryptocurrency received as payment for goods or services, through mining, staking, or airdrops may be treated as ordinary income and taxed at the individual's marginal rate.
Crypto Tax Status
Taxed
Treatment
Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
Additional Notes
The ATO has extensive data-matching programs for cryptocurrency transactions, including data from Australian and international exchanges. Personal use of cryptocurrency (e.g., purchasing items directly with crypto for personal use where the cost is under AUD 10,000) may be exempt from CGT under the personal use asset exemption. However, the ATO applies this exemption narrowly and it generally does not apply to cryptocurrency held as an investment or for a long period. DeFi activities including liquidity provision, yield farming, and wrapping tokens may each constitute separate CGT events.
How Australia Crypto Tax compares
Australia taxes cryptocurrency gains. 68 of 203 countries TaxAtlas tracks take the same approach, which is useful context when weighing where to live, invest, or incorporate.
