UK Introduces New Bill to Establish Legal Ownership of Cryptocurrencies

As the global landscape around cryptocurrency continues to evolve, governments worldwide are moving swiftly to regulate and support the growing influence of blockchain technology. In a significant move, the UK government has introduced new legislation aimed at making the UK a prominent hub for cryptocurrency innovation.

This latest development is part of the UK’s broader strategy to foster blockchain innovation and ensure its leadership in the emerging crypto economy.

Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill: Defining Crypto’s Legal Status

On 12^th September, 2024, the UK Parliament introduced the Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill. The Bill is available here . This landmark legislation aims to clarify the legal standing of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Digital Assets will be officially recognized as personal property under the law, offering critical protections to both individual holders and companies operating in this space.

Prior to this bill, digital assets were not clearly defined under English and Welsh property law, leaving their owners vulnerable to legal ambiguity in cases involving fraud, theft, or disputes. The new legislation will close this gap, providing clear legal recognition and protection for digital assets and helping courts resolve complex cases involving crypto ownership, including in divorce settlements or business disputes.

Protecting Digital Asset Holders: Fraud and Scam Safeguards

One of the key benefits of this new bill is the protection it affords against fraudulent activities. The rise of cryptocurrency has brought with it an increase in scams and cybercrime, with many owners previously left in legal limbo when seeking redress. By formally recognizing digital assets as property, this law will give owners access to legal protections previously unavailable, ensuring that they have recourse if their assets are compromised.

UK Takes the Lead in the Global Crypto Race

The introduction of the Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill underscores the UK’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of the global crypto market. This legislation follows the recommendations of the Law Commission of England and Wales, which published a detailed report in June 2023 confirming that certain digital assets, such as crypto-tokens and NFTs, should be treated as a new, third category of personal property.

This classification reflects the unique nature of digital assets, which differ from both physical goods and traditional financial instruments like stocks or bonds. Recognizing these differences in law allows the UK to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape while positioning itself as a leader in cryptocurrency regulation.

Tax Implications of the New Law

With the introduction of this bill, digital assets such as cryptocurrencies and NFTs will now be recognized as personal property, which brings with it important tax considerations. The current crypto tax rules are largely aligned with the new bill and underscore the importance of compliance and proactive tax planning

Capital Gains Tax (CGT):

Since cryptocurrencies are treated as personal property, any gains from selling, exchanging, or disposing of crypto assets will likely attract Capital Gains Tax. Crypto holders must ensure they are tracking the acquisition cost (also known as the “cost basis”) of their assets to accurately calculate any gains when they sell or trade these assets.

Income Tax:

For individuals receiving cryptocurrency through staking, mining, or airdrops, these assets are often treated as taxable income. With clearer legal recognition, the expectation to report such earnings to HMRC will likely increase, as crypto transactions become more transparent under the new law.

Tax on NFTs:

Similarly, gains from the sale or transfer of NFTs will be subject to CGT, and creators of NFTs may also be liable for income tax on the proceeds they earn from sales.

Corporate Tax for Crypto Businesses:

Companies dealing with cryptocurrencies and digital assets will need to account for the impact of corporate tax. The new legal framework for digital assets as property may also influence the reporting requirements and tax treatment of crypto transactions within businesses.

Inheritance Tax (IHT):

The recognition of digital assets as personal property means that they will now form part of an individual’s estate for inheritance tax purposes. Crypto holders should consider estate planning to ensure their digital assets are properly accounted for and transferred upon death.

For both individuals and businesses, the recognition of digital assets as property solidifies the need for meticulous tax planning and reporting. Ignoring or incorrectly reporting crypto transactions can result in fines or penalties from HMRC.

Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead with Crypto Tax Compliance

As the UK solidifies its stance on digital assets, cryptocurrency investors and businesses should also be mindful of the growing tax implications that come with it. The formal recognition of digital assets as property means that crypto transactions, gains, and holdings will be more scrutinized by tax authorities, making compliance even more critical. At Mycryptotax, we specialize in cryptocurrency taxation and can help you navigate the complexities of tax compliance in this evolving landscape. Contact us today to ensure your crypto holdings are managed and taxed correctly under the latest UK regulations.

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© My Accountancy Team 2024 All Rights Reserved – The above articles are provided for guidance only and may not cover your personal circumstances so you should not rely on them. It is important that you seek appropriate professional advice which takes into account your personal circumstances where you can provide the full facts of the case and all documents related to your case. My Accountancy Team Ltd t/a mycryptotax.co.uk, cannot be held responsible for the consequences of any action or the consequences of deciding not to act.