The UK HMRC has sent tax warning letters to over 81,000 cryptocurrency holders, nearly tripling from last year

According to Protos, the UK's HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) sent over 81,000 warning letters to suspected tax-evading cryptocurrency holders in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, nearly tripling from 27,714 letters in 2024. HMRC believes that most unpaid taxes stem from capital gains during the bull market from 2022 to 2025.

The letters remind users that selling, gifting, exchanging, or using cryptocurrency for consumption may trigger capital gains tax obligations, and violators could face penalties of up to 100% of the tax owed plus interest, with harsher penalties for offshore transfers. Additionally, HMRC expects to gain new powers next year to compel foreign cryptocurrency platforms to disclose user information, anticipating an additional £315 million in tax revenue by 2030.