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What Records Do You Need to Keep for Crypto Tax in Australia?
The ATO’s record-keeping list for crypto, with simple habits to keep it up to date.
Short answer: The ATO says to keep records of every crypto transaction: the date, the Australian dollar value at the time, what it was for, who the other party was (a wallet address is enough), exchange records, receipts, wallet records and related software or accountant costs. Keep them for 5 years from the later of the relevant dates.
Key points (TL;DR)
- Each crypto asset is a separate CGT asset, so keep records for every transaction.
- Record the date, AUD value, purpose and other party for each transaction.
- Keep records of staking rewards and airdrops, with dates and quantities.
- Keep records for 5 years from the later of when they were made, the transaction or the CGT event.
- Export exchange histories at least every 3 months, and before closing any account.
What crypto records does the ATO say to keep?
According to the ATO: Keeping crypto records page, you must keep records of each crypto asset and every transaction to work out whether you have made a capital gain or loss. You should keep:
- receipts when you buy, transfer or dispose of crypto,
- the date of each transaction,
- what the transaction is for and who the other party is (this can just be their crypto address),
- exchange records,
- the value of the crypto in Australian dollars at the time of each transaction,
- records of agent, accountant and legal costs,
- digital wallet records and keys,
- software costs that relate to managing your tax affairs.
The ATO also notes you need details for each crypto asset, because each one is a separate CGT asset.
Watch: Ben Simpson on this topic
Key takeaway: Ben connects every wallet and exchange to crypto tax software so he can see realised and unrealised gains and losses in one place, and checks each strategy with his accountant.
What about staking, airdrops and DeFi?
ATO guidance also asks you to keep documents showing the date and quantity of crypto received through staking or airdrops, and records when you move crypto to or from platforms or smart contracts, including liquidity pools and wrapping.
How long do you need to keep crypto records?
The ATO says to keep records for 5 years from the later of:
- when you prepare or obtain the records,
- when the transactions or acts are complete,
- the year the CGT event happens.
Records must be in English or translatable to English, and can be electronic or paper.
What simple habits keep your records complete?
- Export every exchange history at least every 3 months, as the ATO suggests, and always before closing an account.
- Connect your wallets and exchanges to crypto tax software, so every transaction sits in one place. See our crypto tax software overview.
- Label transfers between your own wallets, so they are not mistaken for sales.
- Keep a list of every platform you have used, with the email each account is registered to.
- Use a blockchain explorer or contact the exchange if you need to recreate lost records, as the ATO suggests.
That list of platforms does double duty. In the Collective Shift estate planning workshop, the record trail was described as one of the most useful parts of a family’s crypto estate plan, because it shows what you own.
Why do records matter more from 2027?
From 1 July 2027, the ATO says gains on assets held through that date are split: the 50% discount for the gain up to the value immediately before 1 July 2027, and cost base indexation after it. Good records, including your holdings and values around that date, make the split easier. See our guide to the 2027 capital gains tax changes and our guide to cryptocurrency tax in Australia.
This page is general information only, not tax, legal or personal financial advice. Speak with a registered tax agent or solicitor about your own situation.
What is your next step?
If you would like a structured way to apply an organised, tax-aware crypto plan, the Collective Shift Accelerator membership runs for 12 months and opens with 4 live cohort weeks, followed by ongoing access to research, workshops and the Live Crypto Portfolio (see our analysts’ portfolio buys and sells). It carries a 14-day guarantee. You can read member results from members, or check the company facts on our page Is Collective Shift legit?
Frequently asked questions
What records do I need for crypto tax in Australia?
The ATO lists receipts, transaction dates, AUD values at the time, the purpose and other party, exchange records, wallet records, and agent, accountant, legal and software costs.
How long should I keep crypto tax records?
For 5 years from the later of when you prepared or obtained the records, when the transaction was complete, or the year the CGT event happened, according to the ATO.
Do I need records for transfers between my own wallets?
Yes. Keep records when you move crypto between platforms or wallets, so transfers are not treated as disposals and your cost base stays accurate.
What if I lost my crypto records?
The ATO suggests using a blockchain explorer or contacting the exchange to recreate lost records. Export histories regularly so this is less likely.
Do I need records for staking rewards?
Yes. Keep documents showing the date and quantity of crypto received through staking or airdrops.
Where this guide comes from
- Australian Taxation Office, Keeping crypto records (last updated 22 June 2026, accessed 31 Oct 2026)
- Australian Taxation Office, Tax reform: reforming negative gearing and capital gains tax, and Capital gains tax guidance (accessed 31 Oct 2026)
- Live Workshop: How To Build Your Crypto Estate Plan Live (So Your Family Never Loses Access), Collective Shift members’ workshop, 23 Sep 2026
- YouTube: How To Pay Less Tax Legally On Your Crypto In Australia (My Top 5 Strategies), Ben Simpson, 2026-09-02
Collective Shift live sessions and Academy lessons are available to members. This guide is general education only and is not personal financial advice.
Last updated 31 Oct 2026. Written by Ben Simpson, Founder and CEO of Collective Shift.
General information only. Collective Shift provides research and education, not personal financial advice. We don’t manage your money or hold your crypto. Consider your own circumstances and speak with a licensed adviser and a registered tax agent before acting. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
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