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What happens to crypto when you die? Crypto inheritance in the UK

By SendPay Business · · 2 min read

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Crypto is part of a person's estate like any other asset, but it can be much harder for family to find and reach. If nobody knows it exists, or nobody can access the wallet, it can be lost for good.

How it is treated

In the UK, crypto a person owns when they die counts towards their estate and can be subject to Inheritance Tax, valued at the date of death. Executors deal with it alongside bank accounts, property and other assets.

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Why access matters

Crypto held with an exchange or custodian can usually be released to executors once they prove who they are and show the right documents, such as a death certificate and grant of probate. Crypto held in a private wallet can only be moved by someone with the keys or recovery phrase. Without them, nobody can reach it.

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Questions people ask

How many keys could my family lose?

See how many keys a multisig wallet can lose before the funds are locked.

Multisig calculator →
What is a crypto custodian?

A firm that holds crypto for customers.

What is a crypto custodian? →
Hot or cold wallet?

The two main ways to store crypto.

Hot vs cold crypto wallets →
Do I pay tax on crypto?

The UK basics.

Crypto tax in the UK →

Read next

Spotted a mistake or something out of date? and we'll fix it. How our guides are made

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. Other companies named in this guide are reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.