The History of Canadian Crypto Taxes: Complete Timeline
From no rules to strict regulations, the history of Canadian crypto taxes shows how digital assets went from unregulated to fully tracked. But do you ever wonder how these Canadian crypto tax laws have evolved over time and where they stand now?
In the beginning, Canadians had a “wild west” era in crypto, with little oversight and no reporting requirements. But as digital currencies took off, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) started stepping in, creating the tax rules we see today.
Although the guidelines are stricter now, putting them into practice is still a work in progress. Even now, the CRA is targeting crypto traders and investors for millions in unpaid taxes, but a general lack of awareness around crypto tax laws in Canada is still one of the biggest hurdles for both the CRA and the taxpayers.
This guide breaks it down. We’ll walk you through Canada’s journey with crypto taxes, covering key changes and current rules so you know exactly what to expect with reporting and compliance.
Early Stages (2009–2012): When Did Crypto Taxes Start in Canada?
Bitcoin’s debut in 2009 brought a new idea: digital money without a central bank. Back then, there were few places to trade Bitcoin. Exchanges were scarce, and most people mining Bitcoin were individuals, not companies. Since adoption was low and use was limited, Bitcoin mostly stayed off the radar of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Transactions were small, crypto communities were close-knit, and there were no clear rules for reporting gains or losses.
For early adopters, this time felt like unregulated freedom. They could mine or trade Bitcoin without thinking about Canada’s cryptocurrency tax rules. But by 2012, as crypto caught on globally, the CRA started paying attention. Canadian authorities saw the potential tax impact of digital currencies, laying the groundwork for regulations that would come in the following years.
Establishing Canada’s Cryptocurrency Tax Rules (2013–2017)
Between 2013 and 2017, Bitcoin was getting popular worldwide, and more Canadians started using crypto. This growth led the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to take its first steps toward crypto tax regulations.
In 2013, the CRA classified cryptocurrency as a “commodity” instead of a currency. This meant crypto transactions were treated like barter trades. In 2014, the CRA provided more details. They clarified that personal crypto transactions would be subject to capital gains tax, while crypto used for business—like mining or full-time trading—would be taxed as business income. This set up Canada’s basic approach to taxing cryptocurrency, with different rules depending on whether you were using crypto personally or for business.
Although these guidelines were a start, they left some gaps, especially for complex transactions like crypto-to-crypto trades. Still, the CRA’s actions between 2013 and 2017 laid the foundation for how cryptocurrency taxes in Canada would evolve, setting the stage for stricter reporting requirements in the years ahead.
Increased Oversight (2017–2020): CRA Reporting Requirements
During the 2017 crypto boom, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) stepped up its approach to crypto taxes. With more people trading and mining crypto, the CRA introduced stricter reporting rules to make sure Canadians knew their tax obligations.
Starting in 2017, Canadians had to report any gains from cryptocurrency more clearly. The CRA laid out how to categorize crypto gains—capital gains for personal use or business income for frequent trading. They also clarified that mining income counts as business income, which means it’s taxable.
To enforce these rules, the CRA launched audits and sent detailed questionnaires to crypto users, asking them to report all transactions, holdings, and trading history. They warned that failing to report crypto income could lead to penalties.
This period marked a big shift in Canada’s crypto tax rules. By 2020, the CRA had set up a solid framework for taxing digital assets, making it clear that Canadians dealing in crypto must stay compliant.
A Detailed Look at How Crypto is Taxed in Canada Today (2021–Present)
Since 2021, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has stepped up its crypto tracking. By working with crypto exchanges, the CRA can access transaction data directly, making it harder to stay anonymous. Now, Canadians dealing in crypto need to keep clear records of every trade.
A big change is that crypto-to-crypto trades, like swapping Bitcoin for Ethereum, are now seen as taxable events. Each trade must be reported based on its fair market value, with any gains or losses included.
As of 2025, crypto gains are taxed in two ways in Canada: as business income or capital gains.
For business income, the CRA looks at how often you trade, whether you mine or stake commercially and run crypto operations like a business. Earnings from frequent trading, mining operations, or staking for profit are taxed at standard income tax rates.
Capital gains apply to personal transactions that aren’t business-like, such as one-off trades, casual swaps, or spending crypto on goods. Only 50% of capital gains are taxable, and capital losses can offset other gains.
Some transactions are tax-free. Buying crypto with fiat, holding it (HODLing), transferring between personal wallets, donating, or getting crypto as a gift doesn’t create a tax obligation.
To calculate taxes, you need the fair market value (FMV) at the time of each trade, minus your original purchase price and any transaction fees. Moreover, keeping detailed records and using crypto tax software like Bitcoin.Tax helps Canadians stay on top of their crypto tax obligations and make reporting easier.
Check out our in-depth guide on Canadian crypto laws for complete, detailed, and current info.
Canada Crypto Tax FAQs
How does Canada tax crypto trading profits?
If you trade frequently or as part of a business, your profits may be classified as business income. Therefore, 100% of your profit is taxable, and you’ll pay tax at the standard income rate.
When did Canada start taxing crypto?
Canada began formally taxing cryptocurrency in 2013. That year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) issued its first guidance on crypto, classifying it as a “commodity.” This meant that crypto transactions were subject to the same tax rules as barter transactions.
How are crypto earnings taxed in Canada?
In Canada, crypto earnings are taxed as either capital gains or business income, depending on how you use your cryptocurrency.
If you earn crypto through personal transactions, like occasional trading or a one-time sale, any profit is usually considered a capital gain. This means only 50% of your profit is taxable, which reduces the tax owed.
If you earn crypto through business activities, like frequent trading, mining, or staking for profit, your earnings are treated as business income. In this case, 100% of the earnings are taxable at standard income tax rates.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) looks at factors like the frequency of your trades and whether you treat it as a business to decide how your earnings should be taxed.