BLOG
/
Crypto Taxes
checkCircle
Expert verified
5 min read

7 Ways to Avoid Crypto Tax in Australia

7 Ways to Avoid Crypto Tax in Australia
7 Ways to Avoid Crypto Tax in Australia
info
Our Editorial Standards:
Our content is designed to educate the 500,000+ crypto investors who use the CoinLedger platform. Though our articles are for informational purposes only, they are written in accordance with the latest guidelines from tax agencies around the world and reviewed by certified tax professionals before publication. Learn More
on this page
close

Looking for an easy way to save money on your crypto tax bill? 

While the ATO is cracking down on crypto tax fraud, there are strategies you can use to reduce your tax bill legally. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know to save thousands of dollars while staying compliant with Australian tax law. 

1. Hold your cryptocurrency for the long-term 

50% capital gains on crypto

Holding your cryptocurrency for more than 12 months comes with huge tax benefits. 

When you dispose of your cryptocurrency after 12 months or more of holding, only 50% of your gain will be considered taxable income. Meanwhile, 100% of the gains from cryptocurrency disposed of after fewer than 12 months is considered taxable income. 

2. Donate to a registered charity 

Donating crypto to charity in Australia tax benefits

Donating your cryptocurrency to a registered charity comes with multiple tax benefits. 

Donating cryptocurrency is one of the few times when disposing of your cryptocurrency is not taxable. In addition, you’ll be able to deduct the fair market value of your cryptocurrency at the time of the donation. 

3. Harvest your losses 

Harvest capital losses australia

While losing money on cryptocurrency trades is never the goal, crypto losses can offset your capital gains for the year and reduce your tax liability. 

Capital losses can’t be used to offset income, but they can be used to offset up to 100% of other capital gains. If you have a net loss for the year, it can be used to offset capital gains in future tax years. 

Pro Tip: Before harvesting your losses, it’s important to keep in mind the wash sale rule. This states that you’re not allowed to sell assets and buy them back for the sole purpose of claiming a tax benefit. While the ATO doesn’t specify a specific timeframe, it’s important to keep this rule in mind before selling and buying back the same crypto asset. 

4. Pick the best cost basis method for you 

The ATO allows investors to choose multiple different cost basis methods including first-in-first-out (FIFO), last-in-last-out (LIFO) and highest-in-first-out (HIFO). These methods help you determine your capital gains and losses in a disposal event. 

To understand why your cost basis method can impact your tax bill, let’s take a look at an example. 

Example:

Jack buys Bitcoin for $15,000.

Jack buys Bitcoin for $22,000.

Jack buys Bitcoin for $25,000.

Jack sells 1 Bitcoin for $30,000.

What is Jack’s capital gain?

In this case, the answer is dependent on what cost basis method Jack decides to use. If he chooses FIFO, the Bitcoin that he sells is the first Bitcoin he acquired. That means his capital gain is $15,000. 

However, if Jack chooses LIFO, the Bitcoin that he sells is the last Bitcoin he acquired. That means his capital gain is $5,000. 

As you can see, your cost basis method can make a big difference on your tax bill! 

5. Take advantage of your SMSF 

SMSF crypto taxes

Remember, super funds are designed to help you build wealth while minimizing your tax burden. 

Income that you withdraw from your super fund is taxed at 15%. Meanwhile, the tax rate you typically pay on cryptocurrencies can be as high as 45%. In addition, you can claim contributions to your super fund as tax deductions. 

While you can’t directly hold cryptocurrencies in standard super funds, you can use a Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) to hold crypto and reap tax benefits.  

Still, it’s important to remember that SMSFs do come with costs and potential risks. 

6. Deduct relevant costs 

Australia allows taxpayers to deduct the cost of certain expenses on their tax returns. 

For example, taxpayers can deduct work-related travel expenses and costs related to managing their tax affairs — including the cost of accountants and tax preparation software. That makes it essential to keep records and receipts that you can use to claim these deductions! 

7. Use crypto tax software 

Remember, inaccurately reporting your taxes can lead to penalties and fines. The easiest way to avoid this issue is to get started with crypto tax software. 


Thousands of Australian investors use CoinLedger, the platform that makes lodging your crypto taxes ridiculously easy. Just connect your wallets and exchanges, and let the platform generate a comprehensive tax report with the click of a button! 

Get started with a free preview report. 

How is cryptocurrency taxed in Australia? 

In Australia, crypto is subject to capital gains and ordinary income tax. 

Crypto Tax Overview in Australia

For more information, check out our ultimate guide to how cryptocurrency is taxed in Australia. 

Can you evade crypto taxes in Australia?

Crypto tax evasion

There is no way to legally evade your cryptocurrency taxes in Australia. 

Remember, Australian exchanges are required to share customer information with the ATO. In the past, the ATO has used this information to send warning letters to thousands of Australian crypto investors. 

However, there are strategies that you can leverage to legally reduce your cryptocurrency tax liabilities. 

Frequently asked questions

  • Is crypto tax-free in Australia? 
    MinuPlus
  • Can you claim crypto losses in Australia? 
    MinuPlus
  • What’s the best way to avoid crypto tax? 
    MinuPlus
  • Is swapping crypto taxable? 
    MinuPlus
  • How much tax do I pay on crypto in Australia? 
    MinuPlus
  • What’s the best crypto tax software for Australia? 
    MinuPlus
...
Want to try CoinLedger for free? Claim your free preview tax report.

Join 500,000 people instantly calculating their crypto taxes with CoinLedger.

How we reviewed this article

Edited By
Sources

All CoinLedger articles go through a rigorous review process before publication. Learn more about the CoinLedger Editorial Process.

Miles Brooks
Written by:
Miles Brooks
Director of Tax Strategy

Miles Brooks holds his Master's of Tax, is a Certified Public Accountant, and is the Director of Tax Strategy at CoinLedger.

About the Author

CoinLedger has strict sourcing guidelines for our content. Our content is based on direct interviews with tax experts, guidance from tax agencies, and articles from reputable news outlets.

KNOWLEDGE BASE

Demystify Crypto Taxes

The Ultimate Crypto Tax Guide (2024)

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about cryptocurrency taxes, from the high level tax implications to the actual crypto tax forms you need to fill out.

Crypto taxes overview
howToHandleCryptocurency
Crypto Tax Rates 2024: Complete Breakdown

Here’s how much tax you'll be paying on your income from Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies.

Crypto tax rates
howToReportCryyptoLosses
How Crypto Losses Can Reduce Your Taxes

Crypto and bitcoin losses need to be reported on your taxes. However, they can also save you money.

How crypto losses lower your taxes
ellipseellipsecalculator

Calculate Your Crypto Taxes

  • Check
    No credit card needed
  • Check
    Instant tax forms
  • Check
    No obligations
Get Started For Free
percent
ellipseellipse
Jump to
list