Last updated on 7 August 2026
How to Download CSV from Kraken Crypto Exchange?
If you have been using Kraken to buy, trade, or stake crypto, HMRC will expect you to report your activity. But before you can file your taxes, you need to gather your full transaction history.
Kraken allows you to export your crypto data in two main ways: CSV files and API keys.
Crypto Accountants will walk you through both export methods, plus the kind of data HMRC actually wants, which tax tools work best, and how to avoid common filing mistakes.
Why Exporting Your Kraken Data Matters?
Crypto in the UK is taxed under Capital Gains and Income Tax rules. If you have traded, staked, or earned crypto on Kraken, it’s your responsibility to report it, even if Kraken isn’t a UK-regulated exchange.
Kraken doesn’t send data to HMRC automatically. That means you need to export your own trade, funding, and earnings history to ensure your tax return is accurate.
Using Kraken’s CSV or API export tools, you can feed this data directly into tax software like Koinly or CoinTracker, or send it to your accountant for reconciliation and filing.
Let’s break down both methods.
Method 1: CSV Export from Kraken
CSV files are downloadable spreadsheets that contain your transaction records. It’s a simple and secure option, no API key needed.
Log In to Kraken
Head to www.kraken.com and sign in with your credentials.
Go to Export Section
Once logged in, click on your profile icon, then choose History > Export from the dropdown menu.
Select Data Type
Choose the type of data you need. For tax reporting, you’ll want to export:
- Trade history (buys and sells)
- Ledger history (includes deposits, withdrawals, staking rewards, etc.)
Set Date Range
For UK tax, the date range should cover 6 April to 5 April (e.g., 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025 for the 2024–25 tax year).
Export CSV
Click Submit. Kraken will generate a downloadable CSV file. You can return to this section later to download the file once it’s ready.
Repeat as Needed
Make sure to get all relevant data: trade history, deposits, withdrawals, staking, and fees. HMRC requires complete records.
Method 2: API Export from Kraken
The API method lets your tax software automatically pull Kraken transactions, update your portfolio, and calculate gains in real time.
Log In to Kraken
Visit the Kraken website and sign in to your account.
Go to API Management
Click on your profile icon and select Security > API from the menu.
Create New API Key
Click Add Key
Choose a name like “Koinly” or “Crypto Tax”
Enable permissions like:
- Query Funds
- Query Ledger Entries
- Query Open/Closed Orders and Trades
Do NOT enable withdrawal permissions; only use read-only access for safety.
Save Your API Credentials
Kraken will generate:
- API Key
- Private Key (API Secret)
Store these safely. You’ll need them to connect your Kraken account to your tax software.
Connect to Tax Tool
Go to Koinly, CoinTracker, or your chosen platform, and paste in your Kraken API credentials. Your data will sync automatically.
What HMRC Wants From You?
In the UK, crypto is treated as a capital asset, not a currency. That means:
- Capital Gains Tax (CGT) applies when you sell, swap, or spend crypto.
- Income Tax may apply for staking rewards, referral bonuses, or airdrops.
- HMRC expects you to record every transaction with:
- Date
- Amount
- Price in GBP
- Fees
- Type of activity (buy/sell/stake/airdrop/etc.)
A clean, complete Kraken export, whether via CSV or API, is the first step toward HMRC compliance.
Which Tax Tools Work with Kraken?
Popular UK-compatible tax tools that support Kraken include:
- Koinly
- CoinTracker
- Accointing
- TokenTax
- Crypto Tax Calculator
These platforms accept both CSV and API connections. Be sure to review how they categorise your transactions, especially for staking, P2P transfers, or DeFi, as manual adjustments may be needed.
Let’s say you bought 2 BTC on Kraken in May 2023 and sold them in Feb 2024 with a £10,000 gain. You also earned £1,200 in staking rewards.
You’ll need to export:
- Trades CSV showing buy/sell
- Ledger export for deposit and withdrawal
- Staking rewards from ledger or API
This allows your tax tool to calculate:
- £10,000 capital gains (subject to CGT)
- £1,200 income (subject to Income Tax)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Exporting only trades and skipping staking or deposits
- Using the wrong date range (e.g., Jan–Dec instead of Apr–Apr)
- Ignoring small transactions, even NFTs and swaps count
- Uploading outdated or broken CSV files
- Forgetting to renew or update API keys
Some Kraken data exports may expire or be limited in scope, so export regularly and double-check for completeness.
Final Thoughts
Getting your Kraken transaction data is a must if you are serious about crypto tax compliance in the UK. Whether you prefer the manual CSV export or the automated API connection, what matters most is ensuring your data is clean, complete, and ready for HMRC.
Need help with your Kraken reports or full tax prep? Crypto Accountants can handle everything, from data exports to filing your tax return with HMRC.
People Also Ask
Do I need both CSV and API from Kraken?
No, just choose one. CSV is great for one-time reporting. API is better for ongoing syncing.
Is Kraken regulated in the UK?
Kraken is not FCA-registered for retail crypto services. But that doesn’t change your tax responsibilities, HMRC still expects you to report all activity.
Can I use Kraken data in Koinly for free?
Yes, Kraken integrates with Koinly on their free plan, but generating full tax reports requires a paid upgrade.
What if I had a loss on Kraken?
You should still report it. UK rules allow you to carry crypto losses forward to offset future capital gains.
How often should I export my Kraken data?
At least once per tax year, ideally quarterly. Don’t wait until April when records may be harder to retrieve.
