Kraken Crypto Tax Canada 2026: Exports, ACB and Filing
TL;DR
Pull Kraken's Trades + LedgersCSV → consolidate ACB across every exchange and wallet → file dispositions on Schedule 3 → flow taxable amount to T1 Line 12700 → if foreign-held cost ever > $100K CAD, file T1135.
Kraken-specific reporting context
- Foreign exchange: Kraken is US-headquartered; Canadian users hold via Kraken or its Canadian arm
- CARF reporting (2026+): Canadian-resident user data flows to CRA via the new framework
- No T5008 for most Canadian users — you self-report on Schedule 3
- Staking, futures, margin: different tax treatments (income vs business vs capital)
Pulling the exports
- Sign in to Kraken on desktop → History → Export
- Download "Trades" CSV (every buy/sell)
- Download "Ledgers" CSV (every deposit/withdrawal/staking event)
- Set date range to the full tax year (Jan 1 → Dec 31)
- Save both — CRA can request 6 years post-filing
The cross-exchange ACB step
If you also hold the same coin on Bitbuy, Shakepay, Newton, Wealthsimple, or in self-custody, your true ACB for CRA is the weighted average across all platforms and wallets. Kraken's per-trade cost basis is not enough by itself.
See our multi-exchange ACB walkthrough and use our ACB calculator to consolidate.
Staking, futures, margin — the tax-treatment map
- Spot trading: capital gains for most personal users (50% / 66.67% inclusion); business income if you're an active trader
- Staking rewards: ordinary income at FMV when received; new ACB for the staked unit
- Margin / futures: generally business income (frequent, leveraged, speculative) — 100% inclusion at marginal rate
- Crypto-to-crypto trades: taxable disposition (CAD-denominated)
Reporting on the T1
- Capital-gains investor: Schedule 3 → Line 12700
- Active trader / margin user: Form T2125 → Line 13500
- Staking income: Other income (Line 13000) at FMV on receipt
- Foreign holdings > $100K CAD ever in the year: Form T1135 (specified foreign property)
Kraken-specific gotchas
- Off-platform withdrawals: moving crypto to self-custody isn't taxable, but tracking ACB across the move is critical
- Stablecoin trades: USDC ↔ USDT is still a disposition (CAD-denominated)
- Kraken Pro fee discounts: reduce your ACB on buys; increase your proceeds on sells
- Forks and airdrops: ordinary income at FMV when received
Estimate the tax bill
Once your gain is consolidated, run it through the crypto tax calculator to apply the 2026 inclusion rate.
Related guides
- How to Report Crypto on Your T1
- Crypto Staking & Mining Tax
- CRA Crypto Audit Guide
- Crypto Tax Canada Hub
Sources: Kraken public help center, CRA Cryptocurrency guide, Schedule 3 + T1135 instructions, OECD CARF framework. Not tax advice. We do not accept referrals from Kraken. Last reviewed: April 22, 2026.
Editorial disclaimer
This article is published by LoonieLabs for general information only. It is not financial, tax, legal, accounting, or immigration advice and must not be relied on as such. Rules, dollar figures, interest rates, and program eligibility change — always verify with the Canada Revenue Agency, IRCC, or a qualified professional before acting. Spotted an error? See our corrections policy. Last reviewed: April 22, 2026.
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Written and reviewed by Shrey Patel — Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Winnipeg, MB · Fact-checked by our Tax & Benefits reviewer · Last reviewed April 22, 2026 · LinkedIn
Founder of LoonieLabs · based in Winnipeg, MB · writes and reviews every page on the site I oversee every figure on this page personally — verified against primary sources (CRA, IRCC, Statistics Canada, the Bank of Canada, or the originating provincial ministry). LoonieLabs has no affiliate relationships with any bank, credit card, or immigration consultant featured on this site. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
Published by the LoonieLabs Editorial Team.