UK takes ‘meaningful step forward’ with proposed DeFi tax overhaul

The UK has floated a new tax framework that eases the burden on decentralized finance (DeFi) users, with deferred capital gains taxes on crypto lending and liquidity pool users until the underlying token is sold, which the local industry has welcomed.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) proposed on Wednesday a “no gain, no loss” approach to DeFi that would cover lending out a token and receiving the same type back, borrowing arrangements and moving tokens into a liquidity pool. 

Taxable gains or losses would be calculated when liquidity tokens are redeemed, based on the number of tokens a user receives back compared to the number they originally contributed, according to the proposal. 

Currently, when a user deposits funds into a protocol, regardless of the reason, the move may be subject to capital gains tax. In the UK, capital gains tax rates can vary between 18% and 32%, depending on the action.

Tax framework a ‘positive signal’ for UK crypto regulation  

Sian Morton, marketing lead at the crosschain payments system Relay protocol, said HMRC’s no gain, no loss approach is a “meaningful step forward for UK DeFi users who borrow stablecoins against their crypto collateral, and moves tax treatment closer to the actual economic reality of these interactions.”

“A positive signal for the UK’s evolving stance on crypto regulation,” she added.

Maria Riivari, a lawyer at the DeFi platform Aave, said the change “would bring clarity that DeFi transactions do not trigger tax until you truly sell your tokens.”

“Other countries facing similar questions may want to take note of HMRC’s approach and the depth of research and consideration behind it,” she added. 

Source: Maria Riivari

Aave CEO Stani Kulechov said the proposal was “a major win for UK DeFi users who want to borrow stablecoins against their crypto collateral.”

Related: Switzerland delays crypto tax info sharing until 2027

DeFi tax overhaul not set in stone yet 

However, the proposal is not a done deal yet. HMRC said it’s continuing to engage with relevant stakeholders “to assess the merits of this potential approach, and the case for making legislative change to the rules governing the taxation of crypto asset loans and liquidity pools.” 

“In particular, to ensure that it would cover the range of transactions that can take place under these arrangements and would be viable for individuals to comply with,” the agency added.

In the initial consultation, 32 formal written responses were submitted by individuals, businesses, tax professionals and representative bodies, which included crypto exchange Binance, venture capital firm a16z Capital Management and self-regulatory trade association Crypto UK. 

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