UK crypto tax reform 2027: current rules versus proposals
Quick answer: HMRC published draft stablecoin and cryptoasset loan/liquidity-pool measures on 13 July 2026, with an intended operative date of 6 April 2027. They are proposals for Finance Bill 2026–27, not a reason to apply new relief to earlier transactions. This status was checked on 30 September 2026.
Track the proposed April 2027 stablecoin and DeFi tax changes, distinguish draft law from current rules and prepare records before transition.
Two tax proposals, one important distinction
The stablecoin proposal concerns eligible tokens and certain returns. The DeFi proposal addresses qualifying lending, borrowing and automated market-making arrangements. Neither is the same as FCA authorisation of a business. Tax changes, reporting obligations and financial regulation have different purposes and dates.
| Track | What it concerns | Date to check |
|---|---|---|
| Stablecoin tax proposal | Eligible stablecoin disposals and specified returns | Proposed 6 April 2027 |
| DeFi tax proposal | Certain loans, borrowing and liquidity pools | Proposed 6 April 2027 |
| FCA regulatory regime | Firm permissions and regulated activities | 25 October 2027 |
What to do for 2025/26 and 2026/27
Prepare those tax years under the rules applicable to their transactions. Keep an unresolved issue log instead of deleting events because a future measure sounds favourable. A provider changing its software labels is not evidence that the law already changed. Record the tax year separately from the calendar year used in CARF reporting.
Prepare a transition record now
The final legislation and guidance determine eligibility and transition. Retain original cost, quantities, entry dates and the rights held. This lets you revisit the calculation without reconstructing years of activity later.
- List open loans, collateral, LP positions and stablecoin holdings.
- Retain dated protocol terms and redemption rights.
- Keep original acquisition values and all subsequent events.
- Record which tax-year rules were used for each calculation.
- Check the official draft, final legislation and commencement guidance before switching treatment.
Source and status log
The official publication pages link the draft legislation, explanatory material and policy papers. Follow those documents for changes. This guide records the status reviewed on 30 September 2026; it does not predict parliamentary approval or promise that every protocol or stablecoin will qualify.
Sources: HMRC: cryptoasset loans and liquidity pools · HMRC: stablecoin tax proposal · FCA: preparing for the new regime
Questions to take to an adviser
Ask which arrangement you hold, whether it falls within the proposed definitions, what happens to the historic cost and which evidence is still missing. Get advice specific to significant transactions, especially where a position spans tax years. Do not confuse a proposed no-gain/no-loss treatment with erasing a gain permanently.
Frequently asked questions
Have all DeFi deposits become tax-free? +
No. Do not apply a future proposal to current or earlier transactions. The draft has scope conditions and a proposed operative date.
Does FCA registration change the tax I owe? +
FCA permissions and HMRC tax obligations are separate. A firm’s regulatory status does not remove the customer’s filing responsibilities.