The 2026 UK Budget included several measures affecting crypto investors. Here’s a summary and what they mean for you.
Key Changes
| Change | Details |
|---|---|
| CGT allowance | Remains at £3,000 |
| CGT rates | Remain at 10% / 20% |
| Trading allowance | Remains at £1,000 |
| DeFi tax rules | Codified into legislation |
| CARF implementation | OECD framework enacted |
| Staking guidance | Confirmed in legislation |
CGT Allowance (No Change)
| Year | Allowance |
|---|---|
| 2025-26 | £3,000 |
| 2026-27 | £3,000 (confirmed) |
| 2027-28 | Expected to remain £3,000 |
The allowance was halved twice in 2023-24. No further changes announced.
DeFi Legislation
The Budget confirmed legislation codifying HMRC’s DeFi guidance:
| Aspect | Legislation |
|---|---|
| Deposits into pools | Not a disposal |
| Withdrawals | Not a disposal (if same tokens) |
| Lending and staking | Income treatment confirmed |
| Effective date | April 2026 |
This provides legal certainty for DeFi users.
OECD CARF Implementation
From 2026, the UK will receive data from:
| Source | What’s Shared |
|---|---|
| UK exchanges | Transaction data (already active) |
| EU exchanges | Under CARF from 2026 |
| Other signatory countries | From 2027 |
Staking Tax Legislation
Staking rewards are now explicitly legislated as:
| Activity | Tax Treatment |
|---|---|
| Staking rewards received | Income at market value |
| Solo staking | Income |
| Pool staking | Income |
| Exchange staking | Income |
What Wasn’t Announced
| Possible Change | Status |
|---|---|
| CGT allowance reduction | Not happening |
| New crypto-specific tax | Not announced |
| VAT on crypto | No change |
| Windfall tax on crypto gains | Speculation only |
Planning Implications
| Action | Why |
|---|---|
| Use your £3,000 CGT allowance | It’s not changing |
| DeFi transactions have clarity | No ambiguity on deposits/withdrawals |
| CARF means more data sharing | Report accurately |
| Stake with confidence | Treatment is now law |
Bottom Line
The 2026 Budget confirmed CGT allowance stays at £3,000, codified DeFi tax rules, and enacted CARF for international exchange data sharing. No negative surprises for crypto investors. Use your allowance, report accurately (data sharing is expanding), and take advantage of the new legal clarity on DeFi. Keep records as before — nothing fundamental changed.