Which tax year to pay CGT on crypto

[CaroleJ]

Hello,

I hold a small amount of crypto and with the recent bull run will be hoping (no guarantee!) to take several thousand pounds in profit for the first time in 2025. It will also be the first time I incur CGT. I'm self-employed with a small business and use a Self-Assessment tax return. Below I have pasted directly from HMRC's web page about CGT about when to pay CGT from non-residential sales. (https://www.gov.uk/capital-gains-tax/reporting-and-paying-capital-gains-tax)

"In the tax year after you sold or disposed of an asset if you use a Self Assessment tax return. If you’re eligible, you may be able to use the ‘real time’ Capital Gains Tax service to report by 31 December in the tax year after the sale."

Do I understand correctly that CGT is paid in the following tax year, not the tax year in which the capital gains were made?

Many thanks for any clarification, as I'm a complete CGT newbie!

[AGoodman]

Tax on gains made in 2024/25 (ie before 6 April 2025) would be declared in your 2024/25 tax return and payable by 31 January 2026 with your other tax liabilities.

The "real time" service is only for people who are not otherwise filing a self assessment tax return.

The only time you pay tax during the relevant tax year is CGT on land and (potentially) your "on account" payments.

[CaroleJ]

Thank you! That clarification is much appreciated.