Crypto investors receive 40 times more HMRC tax warnings than stock traders

Data shows enforcement activity shift

clock • 2 min read

HMRC is cracking down on the UK’s estimated seven million crypto holders as new data revealed a big shift in enforcement activity, including against those who may not realise their asset is taxable.

As many as 101,024 warning letters have been issued for cryptoassets since 2020, according to Freedom of Information (FOI) data obtained from HMRC by Brokerchooser, a comparison platform. This is more than 40 times the amount issued for shares and securities (2,358), indicating crypto investors are now HMRC's largest capital gains tax (CGT) compliance target, far overtaking traditional assets such as stocks and property. The number of HMRC warning letters relating to cryptoassets more than tripled between 2021/22 (8,329) and 2023/24 (27,712), before soaring to 64,982 letters in 2024/2...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

Why the bull market in precious metals may be starting again

Why the bull market in precious metals may be starting again

Silver and gold again – who would have thought it?

Paul Wood
clock 20 May 2026 • 2 min read
Omnis Investments launches passive range for Openwork and 2plan advisers

Omnis Investments launches passive range for Openwork and 2plan advisers

L&G to run day-to-day investment management

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 19 May 2026 • 2 min read
Digital bank Zopa gains targeted support authorisation

Digital bank Zopa gains targeted support authorisation

Receives regulatory approval for investment products

Sophia Panayi
clock 19 May 2026 • 1 min read