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How do I report cryptocurrency capital losses to HMRC?
How do I report cryptocurrency capital losses to HMRC?

How do I report cryptocurrency losses to HMRC? How can I claim capital losses with HMRC? How can I offset cryptocurrency capital gains?

Daniel Howitt avatar
Written by Daniel Howitt
Updated over 3 months ago

Disclaimer: This article is intended as an informative piece. This is not accounting or tax advice. Please speak to a qualified tax professional about your specific circumstances before acting upon any of the information in this article.

All capital losses should be reported, as it is the only way they can be ‘claimed’ to use against future gains. Losses can be reported to HMRC on the Tax Return or by letter. 

The time limit for claiming capital losses is within 4 years of the end of the tax year in which the capital loss was realised.

💡 HINT: Don't confuse the end of the tax year (5th April) with the tax deadline (31st January). Many do and lose the opportunity to claim the loss!


If you don’t already file a Tax Return, you need to notify HMRC that you have capital gains or losses to report by 5th October after the end of the tax year. You can do this by registering for self assessment, they will then issue you with a Notice to File a Tax Return. You need to submit the Tax Return to HMRC by 31st January after the end of the tax year to avoid late filing penalties.

A tax year runs from 6th April to 5th April. If you made a disposal on 4th April 2024 (or started to receive income in the year ended 5th April 2024), this falls in the tax year ended 5th April 2024 and you need to register with HMRC by 5th October 2024 and submit the tax return by 31st January 2025.


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