Quick answer
- Keep a record for every purchase, sale, swap, spend, gift, fee, transfer, and reward.
- Record the euro value at the time of each taxable event.
- Keep exchange CSVs, wallet addresses, transaction hashes, and notes explaining unusual events.
- Do not wait until the deadline to export records because some apps limit old exports or close accounts.
Minimum records to keep
- Date and time of acquisition.
- Date and time of disposal.
- Crypto asset name or ticker.
- Quantity bought, sold, swapped, spent, gifted, or received.
- Euro value at acquisition and disposal.
- Fees, gas, commissions, or charges.
- Exchange name, wallet address, transaction hash, and export file.
- Notes for transfers between your own wallets.
Record workflow
- Export early Download exchange and wallet records before accounts close or export windows disappear.
- Match events Match each purchase, sale, swap, gift, fee, transfer, and reward to a date and euro value.
- Keep evidence Save CSV files, wallet addresses, transaction hashes, screenshots, and explanatory notes.
Why records matter
Crypto tax calculations can become difficult because transactions may be split across several exchanges, wallets, bridges, and protocols. If you only keep screenshots or bank deposits, you may not have enough detail to show the cost, disposal value, or fee for each event.
When to use software or an accountant
If you have many transactions, DeFi activity, staking, mining, NFTs, or cross-chain transfers, a simple calculator may not be enough. Use dedicated crypto tax software or speak to an Irish tax adviser before filing.
Frequently asked questions
What records should I keep for crypto tax?
Keep dates, quantities, euro values, costs, proceeds, fees, wallet addresses, exchange exports, and transaction hashes.
How long should I keep crypto records?
Keep records long enough to support your tax return and answer any future queries. Ask an adviser if unsure.
Are screenshots enough?
Screenshots can help, but export files and transaction-level evidence are usually more useful.
Is this guide tax advice?
No. It is general information for planning. Use official guidance or a tax adviser for your own situation.
Can I use the calculator for filing?
Use it as an estimate only. Complex activity such as DeFi, staking, mining, business trading, or many swaps may need specialist software or advice.
Sources & references
Key takeaways
- Keep a record for every purchase, sale, swap, spend, gift, fee, transfer, and reward.
- Record the euro value at the time of each taxable event.
- Keep exchange CSVs, wallet addresses, transaction hashes, and notes explaining unusual events.
- Do not wait until the deadline to export records because some apps limit old exports or close accounts.