Australia Sets Sights on 2027 for Mandatory Crypto Reporting

Australia is moving towards a more formal crypto-asset reporting framework, with the Australian Taxation Office listing 1 January 2027 as the proposed start date for a package covering international and domestic reporting. The date is notable because the measure has not yet become law and no detailed draft legislation has been released.

The planned package has two main elements: Australia's adoption of the OECD Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework, or CARF, which is designed to improve tax transparency by allowing participating jurisdictions to collect and exchange information about crypto transactions involving non-residents. The second is a domestic reporting regime intended to give the ATO more direct visibility over crypto activity undertaken by Australian residents.

Under the international framework, crypto service providers generally collect identity and tax-residence information and report transaction data. Australia may follow that model closely, but the final domestic design cannot be assumed until legislation is published.

The ATO already operates a crypto-assets data-matching program and compares information obtained from designated service providers with tax returns. The source notes that the existing protocol is listed through the 2025-26 year, making the next reporting step an important area to watch.