Same-Day and 30-Day Rules for Crypto: A UK Worked Example
Updated 17 October 2026
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Short answer: HMRC's cryptoassets manual says tokens of one type are normally held in a section 104 pool with an average (pooled) cost, but before using the pool you apply, in this order: the same-day rule, then the 30-day rule, then the pool. If you buy tokens of the same type within 30 days after selling them, those new tokens are matched to the earlier sale and don't go into the pool; matching is earliest disposal first. GOV.UK says these cases work like shares (helpsheet HS284).
The rules (CRYPTO22200)
- Same day: acquisitions and disposals of one token type on the same day, in the same capacity, are treated as one acquisition and one disposal and matched with each other first. Any excess acquired is considered for the 30-day rule, then the pool; any excess disposed of is considered for the 30-day rule, then treated as coming from the pool.
- 30 days: tokens acquired within the next 30 days after a disposal are matched to that disposal (earliest first); any surplus goes into the pool.
- NFTs are separately identifiable, so they aren't pooled and no matching rules apply.
- Each token type has its own pool and its own pooled cost; keep a record of what you spent per type.
Worked example (all figures made up)
Pool of token XY: 10 tokens, total cost £5,000 (£500 each). On 10 November 2026 you sell 4 XY for £6,000 (£1,500 each). On 30 November 2026 (20 days later) you buy 3 XY for £3,600 (£1,200 each).
- The 3 tokens bought on 30 November fall within 30 days, so they match 3 of the 4 tokens sold: proceeds £4,500, cost £3,600, gain £900.
- The 4th token sold comes from the pool: proceeds £1,500, pooled cost £500, gain £1,000.
- Total gain £1,900. After the sale the pool is 9 tokens, cost £4,500; the 3 new tokens are not in the pool.
Against the £3,000 tax-free allowance (allowance and rates), £1,900 alone would be covered, but other gains count too.
Records
GOV.UK's list: type of tokens, date, number disposed of and left, sterling value, bank statements, pooled costs before and after (reconciliation).
FAQ
Does moving tokens between my own wallets matter? CRYPTO22100 says moving tokens between wallets you control isn't a disposal.
Do exchange reports do this for me? GOV.UK says they aren't tax calculations and don't track pooled costs.
What we could not verify
Uncertain. These points were not confirmed on the pages read. A re-check of the GOV.UK CARF pages is planned for 1 December 2026.
- The arithmetic example is ours; GOV.UK's own pooling example (token XY, £1.25 average) is on the sell page.
- CG51560 (further guidance on matching) and HS284 weren't read.
- Treatment when you act in a different capacity (for example, as a trustee) or through a wrapped/bridged token.
- How exchanges' own reports apply (or don't apply) these rules.
Sources (official)
- HMRC Cryptoassets Manual, CRYPTO22200, Capital Gains Tax: pooling — https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/cryptoassets-manual/crypto22200 (read in full 17 October 2026)
- GOV.UK (HMRC), Check if you need to pay tax when you sell cryptoassets (last updated 5 October 2026) — https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-need-to-pay-tax-when-you-sell-cryptoassets (read in full 17 October 2026)
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