Cryptocurrency is viewed as a ‘personal use asset’ by the ATO if it is held for personal use. The ATO may exempt capital gains made from cryptocurrency valued up to $10,000 if it is considered a personal use asset. The ATO will consider factors such as the time between acquisition and use, how it is used, and the purpose of the holding when determining whether the cryptocurrency is a personal use asset.

Generally, the longer you hold your cryptocurrency, the less likely it is to be deemed a personal use asset. Cryptocurrency is classified as a personal use asset if it is predominantly used to buy items for personal consumption. Conversely, if it is mainly used as an investment, in a profit-making scheme, or in the course of running a business, it would not be considered a personal use asset.

It is best to consult with your advisor to determine if any of your crypto activity falls into this category. For example, if you had held 1 Bitcoin for 2 years, with occasional purchases of goods using Bitcoin, the primary purpose of your Bitcoin holding would be considered an investment rather than a personal use asset. Alternatively, if you purchased goods with Bitcoin within a week of acquiring it, then the ATO would consider you holding Bitcoin as a personal use asset.

The classification of cryptocurrency as a personal use asset or an investment can make a considerable difference to your tax outcome. With the ATO heavily scrutinising cryptocurrency in tax returns, it is essential you get this right.

If you have any concerns regarding cryptocurrency and your tax, you may reach us via our website or email us at crypto@armada.com.au and one of our crypto tax specialists will be in touch.

Leave a comment

Osborne Park Office
18 Sangiorgio Court, Osborne Park WA 6017
Locked Bag 4,Osborne Park DC WA 6916
(08) 6165 4067
Mon - Fri: 8.00 am - 5.00 pm
Port Hedland Office
15 Edgar Street,Port Hedland WA 6721
Locked Bag 4,Osborne Park DC WA 6916
(08) 6165 4067

Osborne Park Office

18 Sangiorgio Court, Osborne Park WA 6017
Locked Bag 4, Osborne Park DC WA 6916
Mon - Fri: 8.00 am - 5.00 pm

Port Hedland Office

15 Edgar Street, Port Hedland WA 6721
Locked Bag 4, Osborne Park DC WA 6916
(08) 6165 4067

Copyright © 2024 Armada Accountants & Advisors.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 

Armada Accountants Pty Ltd – ABN 79 009 298 542, Armada Financial Planning Pty Ltd – Corporate Authorised Representatives of Armada Wealth Management Pty Ltd AFSL 535978, Armada Lending Pty Ltd – ABN 20 603 067 983 – Authorised Corporate Credit Representative (470054) of BLSSA Pty Ltd (ACL 391237), Armada Audit Services Pty Ltd – ABN 39 151 015 002, Armada Business Services Pty Ltd ABN 29 008 762 481 are members of the Armada Group. Each member of the Armada Group is a separate legal entity in its own right and is not in partnership with any other members of the Armada Group. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.



Armada Accountants & Advisors acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Owners and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural and spiritual practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Armada also acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where our Perth and Port Hedland offices are located, the Whadjuk Noongar People (Perth) and Kariyarra People (Port Hedland).

Armada Accountants Pty Ltd – ABN 79 009 298 542, Armada Financial Planning Pty Ltd – Corporate Authorised Representatives of Armada Wealth Management Pty Ltd AFSL 535978, Armada Lending Pty Ltd – ABN 20 603 067 983 – Authorised Corporate Credit Representative (470054) of BLSSA Pty Ltd (ACL 391237), Armada Audit Services Pty Ltd – ABN 39 151 015 002, Armada Business Services Pty Ltd ABN 29 008 762 481 are members of the Armada Group. Each member of the Armada Group is a separate legal entity in its own right and is not in partnership with any other members of the Armada Group. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.


Armada Accountants & Advisors acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Owners and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural and spiritual practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Armada also acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where our Perth and Port Hedland offices are located, the Whadjuk Noongar People (Perth) and Kariyarra People (Port Hedland).

Copyright © 2024 Armada Accountants & Advisors.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 

Terms of use | 
Privacy Policy | Site by Command IT Services