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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.
Written by Ben Simpson, TEDx speaker and founder of Collective Shift (Melbourne, 2020). Collective Shift teaches the 5-step SHIFT Method, a written crypto plan that members build and run themselves, backed by 4.8 out of 5 from 135+ Trustpilot reviews.
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:
The ATO also notes you need details for each crypto asset, because each one is a separate CGT asset.
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.
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.
The ATO says to keep records for 5 years from the later of:
Records must be in English or translatable to English, and can be electronic or paper.
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.
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.
Ben walks through legal ways Australians can plan for crypto tax, in a short reel.
Ben Simpson on Instagram, 2 Sep 2026 · Watch the reel on Instagram
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?
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.
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.
Yes. Keep records when you move crypto between platforms or wallets, so transfers are not treated as disposals and your cost base stays accurate.
The ATO suggests using a blockchain explorer or contacting the exchange to recreate lost records. Export histories regularly so this is less likely.
Yes. Keep documents showing the date and quantity of crypto received through staking or airdrops.
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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