# Hard forks, gifts and lost crypto — UK tax treatment

Hard forks may create new tokens with acquisition cost split from the original pool. Gifts to non-spouses are disposals at market value — CGT may apply. Lost or stolen crypto may be a disposal if you can no longer access it — evidence required. Gifts between spouses/civil partners are generally no gain/no loss.

## Key facts
- Forks can create taxable events when you receive new tokens.
- Birthday gifts of crypto to friends can trigger CGT.
- Theft disposal needs documentation.
- Negligible value claims possible for worthless tokens.

## Hard forks and chain splits

When a blockchain splits, you may receive new tokens. HMRC guidance treats acquisition of new tokens as a taxable event in some circumstances — allocate cost between old and new holdings per HMRC manual.
## Gifting crypto

Gifting to anyone other than a spouse or civil partner is a disposal at sterling market value. The recipient inherits your cost basis for future CGT.
## Lost keys and theft

If access is permanently lost or tokens stolen, you may claim a capital loss or negligible value with evidence — police report, forensic proof. Not automatic.

## FAQs
### Is giving crypto to charity taxable?

Gifts to UK charities may qualify for CGT relief in some cases — see HMRC charitable giving guidance.

## Sources

- [HMRC — Cryptoassets Manual](https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/cryptoassets-manual)

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— Digital Assets UK (https://digital-assets.co.uk/tax/hard-forks-gifts-lost-crypto/), reviewed 2026-06-23. Source: https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/cryptoassets-manual