> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://knowcrypto.fun/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Crypto in Australia: ATO tax, AUSTRAC and ASIC licensing - URL: https://knowcrypto.fun/crypto-in-australia/ - Published: 2026-11-02T12:02:01.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-02T12:02:01.000Z - Description: How crypto platforms are regulated in Australia, what the 2027 licensing law changes, how the ATO taxes crypto, and where to report scams. - Author: Know Crypto Editor - Tags: Australia, Tax, Buying Crypto is legal in Australia. Exchanges must be registered with AUSTRAC, the financial crime regulator, and from 9 April 2027 crypto platforms will also need a financial services licence from ASIC. The ATO taxes crypto under capital gains tax, and if you hold for more than 12 months as an individual, only half of your gain is taxed. This guide explains how platforms are regulated, what the new licensing law changes, how the ATO taxes crypto, and where to report scams. ## At a glance | Topic | The short version | | ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | | Regulators | AUSTRAC now; ASIC licensing from 9 April 2027 | | Check a platform | AUSTRAC register, and ASIC registers from 2027 | | Tax on gains | Capital gains tax; 50% discount if held over 12 months | | Tax on rewards | Ordinary income when received | | Tax year | 1 July to 30 June; lodge by 31 October | | Report a scam | Your bank, ReportCyber and Scamwatch | ## Who regulates crypto in Australia ### AUSTRAC registration Any business in Australia that exchanges crypto for money, or the other way round, must register with AUSTRAC and follow anti-money-laundering rules, including checking customers' identity. You can search AUSTRAC's public register of registered providers on the [AUSTRAC website](https://www.austrac.gov.au/?ref=knowcrypto.fun). AUSTRAC regularly cancels or refuses registrations, and has taken action against crypto ATM operators over scam risks. ### The new licensing law Parliament passed the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Act in April 2026\. It brings two kinds of business under Australia's financial services licensing regime, supervised by ASIC: - **digital asset platforms**, which hold crypto for customers and let them trade it - **tokenised custody platforms** The law starts on 9 April 2027\. Platforms that needed a new or changed Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence had to apply to ASIC by 30 June 2026 to keep operating while their application is considered. From April 2027, a licensed platform must meet the same kinds of standards as other financial firms, including how it holds customer assets and handles complaints. Before you sign up, check the platform on AUSTRAC's register now, and from 2027 on [ASIC's registers](https://asic.gov.au/online-services/search-asic-s-registers/?ref=knowcrypto.fun) as well. ## How crypto is taxed in Australia The ATO treats crypto as an asset for capital gains tax (CGT). ### What triggers CGT You have a CGT event, and may owe tax, when you: - sell crypto for Australian dollars - swap one coin for another - spend crypto on goods or services - gift crypto Moving crypto between wallets you own is not a CGT event, but keep records to show it was your own transfer. ### The 12-month discount If you're an individual and you held the crypto for more than 12 months before selling, only **50%** of the capital gain is taxed. Gains on crypto held for less than 12 months are taxed in full. The taxable part is added to your income and taxed at your normal rate. Example: you buy A$4,000 of Ether and sell it 18 months later for A$10,000\. Your gain is A$6,000, and with the discount, A$3,000 is added to your taxable income. ### Income Staking rewards and crypto you receive as payment are ordinary income at their Australian dollar value when you receive them. If you later sell them, any further change in value is a capital gain or loss. ### Personal use is rarely tax-free There is a narrow exemption for crypto bought and used within a short time to pay for personal items. The ATO says it generally doesn't apply if you hold crypto as an investment or to make a profit, so most people shouldn't rely on it. ### Reporting The Australian tax year runs from 1 July to 30 June. If you lodge your own return, it's due by 31 October. The ATO receives data from Australian exchanges, so assume it can see your trades. For a comparison with other countries, see [how crypto is taxed around the world](https://knowcrypto.fun/how-crypto-is-taxed/). ## How to buy crypto safely in Australia 1. **Check AUSTRAC's register** before depositing, and from April 2027 check that the platform holds an ASIC licence or authorisation. 2. **Be wary of crypto ATMs.** Scammers often tell victims to deposit cash into them. No real bank, government agency or police force will ask you to. 3. **Use strong security**, such as an authenticator app. 4. **Move long-term holdings to your own wallet.** See our [wallet guide](https://knowcrypto.fun/crypto-wallets-explained/). 5. **Keep records** of every buy, sale, swap and transfer in Australian dollars. Our [guide to choosing an exchange](https://knowcrypto.fun/how-to-choose-a-crypto-exchange/) covers what else to look for. ## Scams and where to report them Investment scams, often promoted with fake celebrity endorsements or through messages from strangers, are among the costliest scams Australians report. If you've been targeted: - Contact your bank straight away. It may be able to stop a payment. - Report cybercrime through ReportCyber at [cyber.gov.au](https://www.cyber.gov.au/?ref=knowcrypto.fun). - Report the scam to [Scamwatch](https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/?ref=knowcrypto.fun), which helps warn others. - Check ASIC's Moneysmart investor alert list for firms to avoid. Our [scam guide](https://knowcrypto.fun/crypto-scams-india-uae/) explains the common red flags. ## FAQ ### How much tax do I pay on crypto in Australia? Your capital gain is added to your income and taxed at your normal rate. If you held the crypto for more than 12 months as an individual, only half of the gain is counted. ### Do I pay tax when I swap one crypto for another? Yes. A swap is a CGT event, valued in Australian dollars at the time of the swap. ### What changes for crypto exchanges in 2027? From 9 April 2027, digital asset platforms need an Australian Financial Services licence and are supervised by ASIC, on top of their AUSTRAC registration. ### Can the ATO see my crypto? Yes. The ATO collects data from Australian exchanges and matches it against tax returns, so report every disposal even if the amount is small. Sources: [ATO, Crypto asset investments](https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/investments-and-assets/crypto-asset-investments?ref=knowcrypto.fun); [ASIC, Deadline looms for digital asset businesses to apply for a licence (May 2026)](https://www.asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/news-items/deadline-looms-for-digital-asset-businesses-to-apply-for-a-licence?ref=knowcrypto.fun); [AUSTRAC](https://www.austrac.gov.au/?ref=knowcrypto.fun); [Scamwatch](https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/?ref=knowcrypto.fun). *This is not financial advice. Crypto is volatile and you can lose money. Do your own research.*