10 ways to pay less crypto tax in Canada 2024

Whether you're riding the waves of a successful crypto year or navigating through market downturns, optimizing your tax position is crucial. 

In Canada, paying less crypto tax in 2024 is not about dodging the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) but rather employing legal strategies to minimize your tax liabilities. 

In this guide, we'll explore 10 effective ways to ensure you're making the most of your crypto investments while staying on the right side of the taxman.

1. Balance out your wins and losses

One effective strategy to reduce your tax bill is to offset capital losses against capital gains. In Canada, you can offset half of your capital losses against gains. Suppose you made a $500 gain from selling ETH and a $500 loss from selling BTC; these would cancel each other out, resulting in a taxable gain of only $250.

For those with more losses than gains, carry them forward to future tax years indefinitely or carry them backward, up to three preceding tax years, to offset any gains and potentially obtain a tax refund.

2. Harvest Your Losses Strategically

Timing is crucial in the world of crypto taxation. 

Consider harvesting your losses by selling, trading, spending, or gifting underperforming assets. By doing this strategically, you can offset losses against gains, minimizing your tax liability. Utilize crypto portfolio trackers like Kryptos to identify unrealized losses throughout the financial year, enabling you to harvest them before the year-end.

Remember, if you decide to buy back the assets, wait for more than 30 days to avoid falling afoul of Canada's superficial loss rule.

3. Invest in a Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)

Planning to HODL your crypto for the long term? Consider securing your future with a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP).

Every time you contribute to your RRSP, you can take advantage of a tax deduction, giving you a chance to lower your overall tax bill. Keep in mind, when it's time to withdraw funds, taxes will apply. By the time you retire, you'll likely be in a lower tax bracket.

Just bear in mind, there's a yearly limit on how much you can contribute.

4. Consider opting for a Bitcoin ETF

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) is a way to invest in Bitcoin without the complexities of direct ownership. Bitcoin ETFs track the performance and price of Bitcoin, allowing you to speculate on its gains and losses.

For investors seeking exposure to Bitcoin without direct ownership, Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) present a viable option. 

Several Bitcoin ETFs are available on the Toronto Stock Exchange: 

• Purpose Bitcoin ETF (BTCC)
• Evolve Bitcoin ETF (EBIT)
• CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCX)

However, exercise caution, as some ETFs come with higher management fees.

5. Donating Crypto to Charity

Donating crypto to a registered charity can offer tax benefits, but the rules are intricate due to the deemed fair market value rule. Since crypto is considered a commodity, not cash, donations follow different rules than cash donations.

When donating crypto, be aware of the potential Capital Gains Tax on the appreciated value. Document the acquisition date and be transparent with the charity to ensure compliance with CRA regulations.

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Scenario:

1. Crypto Donation:

In December 2023, you decide to donate 1 Ethereum (ETH) to a registered charity.

You originally purchased this ETH in January 2022 for $500.

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2. Current Fair Market Value:

At the time of the donation in December 2023, the fair market value of 1 ETH was $3,000.

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3. Calculation:

Your capital gain is the difference between the fair market value at the time of donation and the acquisition cost.

Capital Gain = $3,000 - $500 = $2,500.

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4. Tax Implication:

Since the donation is considered a disposition of the asset, you may be liable for Capital Gains Tax on the capital gain.

In Canada, only 50% of capital gains are taxable. Therefore, you'll only be taxed on half of the capital gain.

In this case, Taxable Capital Gain: $2,500 / 2 = $1,250

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5. Charitable Receipt:

The charity issues a tax receipt based on the acquisition cost, not the current fair market value.

You receive a tax receipt for $500, reflecting the amount potentially eligible for a tax deduction.

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6. Tax Deduction:

When filing your taxes, you can potentially deduct the $500 from your taxable income due to the charitable donation

However, you still have a Capital Gains Tax obligation on the $2,500 gain which is $1,250

6. Present yourself as an individual investor 

Distinguish yourself as an individual investor rather than engaging in business-like activities to benefit from favorable tax treatment. The CRA considers various factors when making this determination, such as investing for commercial purposes, undertaking business-like investment activities, promoting a product or service, and demonstrating an intent to make a profit.

Individual investors typically pay Capital Gains Tax on only half of their profits, while those seen as conducting business may be subject to Income Tax on the entire profit.

7. HODL for Tax Efficiency

The age-old strategy of "HODLing" (holding onto your crypto assets without selling, trading, spending, or gifting) remains a straightforward way to avoid immediate tax liabilities. By refraining from triggering taxable events, you defer your tax obligations until you decide to cash out.

Keep in mind that patience is key, and this strategy aligns well with a long-term investment mindset.

8. Use Kryptos for Tax Reporting: Simplify Your Tax Filing Process

Tracking your crypto transactions, cost basis, and tax obligations across various exchanges and wallets can be overwhelming. Consider using Kryptos, a reliable crypto tax software that works with hundreds of exchanges, wallets, and blockchains.

Kryptos automates the process, identifying your cost basis, taxable transactions, and calculating capital gains and losses. The platform provides a comprehensive tax summary and downloadable reports, ensuring accurate and efficient tax filing. For Canadian users, Kryptos offers the Complete Tax Report, the Schedule 3 form, and compatibility with TurboTax.

9. Stay Informed About Regulatory Changes

Cryptocurrency regulations are subject to change, and staying informed about updates is crucial for making informed decisions. The regulatory landscape can impact tax obligations and reporting requirements. Regularly check for updates from the CRA and other relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the latest guidelines.

10. Seek Professional Advice

While this guide provides valuable insights, it's essential to acknowledge the complexity of crypto taxation. Seeking advice from financial, legal, or tax professionals can provide personalized guidance based on your unique circumstances. Professionals can offer strategies tailored to your financial goals, ensuring you make informed decisions that align with current regulations

In conclusion, crypto taxes in Canada require a strategic approach. By leveraging these eight methods, you can optimize your tax position, potentially saving money while staying compliant with CRA regulations. Remember to stay informed, consult professionals, and make decisions aligned with your financial goals.

FAQs

1. How can I offset losses against gains to reduce my crypto tax liability in Canada?

One effective strategy to minimize your tax bill is to offset capital losses against capital gains. In Canada, you can offset half of your capital losses against gains. For instance, if you made a $500 gain from selling ETH and a $500 loss from selling BTC, these would cancel each other out, resulting in a taxable gain of only $250. Learn more about this strategy and its implications for your crypto investments.

2. What is loss harvesting, and how can it help me optimize my crypto tax position in Canada?

Timing is crucial in the world of crypto taxation. Discover how harvesting your losses by strategically selling, trading, or gifting underperforming assets can offset losses against gains, minimizing your tax liability. Explore the importance of using crypto portfolio trackers like Kryptos to identify unrealized losses and the precautions to take to avoid Canada's superficial loss rule.

3. How can investing in a Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) benefit my long-term crypto holdings in Canada?

Explore the advantages of channeling your crypto investments into a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). Understand how contributions to an RRSP offer a tax deduction, reducing your current tax burden. Learn about the potential benefits of facing lower tax rates during retirement despite being taxed upon withdrawal.

4. What are Bitcoin ETFs, and how can they simplify my crypto investments for tax purposes in Canada?

Discover how Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) such as Purpose Bitcoin ETF (BTCC), Evolve Bitcoin ETF (EBIT), and CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCX) can provide exposure to Bitcoin without direct ownership. Learn about the potential gains and losses associated with Bitcoin ETFs and the importance of exercising caution due to varying management fees.

5. What are the tax implications of donating crypto to charity in Canada?

Understand the intricate rules of donating crypto to a registered charity in Canada, considering the deemed fair market value rule. Learn about the potential Capital Gains Tax on appreciated value and the documentation required for compliance with CRA regulations. Dive into a real-life scenario of crypto donation and its tax implications, including the calculation of capital gains and potential tax deductions.

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All content on Kryptos serves general informational purposes only. It's not intended to replace any professional advice from licensed accountants, attorneys, or certified financial and tax professionals. The information is completed to the best of our knowledge and we at Kryptos do not claim either correctness or accuracy of the same. Before taking any tax position / stance, you should always consider seeking independent legal, financial, taxation or other advice from the professionals. Kryptos is not liable for any loss caused from the use of, or by placing reliance on, the information on this website. Kryptos disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of any positions taken by you in your tax returns. Thank you for being part of our community, and we're excited to continue guiding you on your crypto journey!