The ATO closely tracks cryptocurrency transactions this year and warns investors they face penalties and audits if they ignore their tax obligations. Over 600,000 Australians have invested in crypto assets in recent years, and undoubtedly, many need some advice as we head toward tax time.
While the Australian Taxation Office has been watching cryptocurrency for years, their data analysis shows a dramatic increase in trading since the beginning of 2020. It will be a crucial focus in scrutinizing this year’s returns. Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh said the ATO would directly contact about 100,000 taxpayers with cryptocurrency assets explaining their tax obligations and urging them to review their previously lodged returns.
“We also expect to prompt almost 300,000 taxpayers as they lodge their 2021 tax return,” Mr. Loh said. Many taxpayers mistakenly believe their gains from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are tax-free or only taxable when the holdings are cashed back into Australian dollars. Still, they are treated similarly to gains from other investments such as shares. Movements within a digital wallet also count, so it’s wrong to think tax is only payable once all your crypto holdings have been sold.
“Generally, as an investor, if you buy, sell, swap for fiat currency, or exchange one cryptocurrency for another, it will be subject to capital gains tax and must be reported,” Mr. Loh explained. “For example, if you exchange Bitcoin for Ethereum, that would trigger a taxable transaction.
“If you swap cryptocurrency for Australian dollars is another potential taxable transaction, and when you buy goods and services with cryptocurrency, it can also potentially create a taxable transaction. “CGT (capital gains tax) also applies to the disposal of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).”
It’s a big mistake to think your transactions won’t be seen because cryptocurrency seems to operate in an anonymous digital world. “We are alarmed that some taxpayers think that the anonymity of cryptocurrencies provides a license to ignore their tax obligations,” Mr. Loh said.
Crypto tThe ATO is closely tracking crypto transactionsng data from cryptocurrency-designated service providers, banks, and other financial institutions to an individual’s tax return. “We actuallya match protocols with these cryptocurrency exchanges, and they provide us with that information,” Mr. Loh said.
“We track how it interacts with the ‘real world’. “This is a game of hiding and seek – we want people to do the right thing.” So how do you ensure you’re not falling foul of your tax obligations, given crypto can be complicated?
“The best tip to nail your cryptocurrency gains and losses is to keep accurate records, including dates of transactions, the value in Australian dollars at the time of the transactions, what the transactions were for, and who the other party was, even if it’s just their wallet address,” Mr. Loh said. He advises using cryptocurrency accounting software or a trusty old spreadsheet to keep track of your trading.
“For businesses or sole traders that are paid cryptocurrency for goods or services, these payments will be taxed as income based on the value of the cryptocurrency in Australian dollars at the time of the transaction. It’s essential to include these gains and losses … because if you don’t, it can slow down your tax return and potentially if you’re entitled to a tax refund,” Mr. Loh said. “There isSomerypto accounting software that makis the job a lot easier.”
“If you realize you’ve made a mistake and correct your return, we will significantly reduce penalties,” Mr. Loh said. “However,Failingrt on crypto-assets and not taking action when reminded will prompt penalties and potentially an audit.” There’s good news for crypto investors who are in it for the long haul: If you hold for at least 12 months – known in the crypto world as “holding”, a deliberate misspelling of “holding” – you may be entitled to a CGT discount if you have made a capital gain. Check out this ATO fact sheet for more information.
