Staking locks or delegates tokens to help validate a proof-of-stake network in exchange for rewards. How you stake changes who controls the tokens, how quickly you can exit and which extra risks you carry.
| Solo validator | Pooled / delegated | Liquid staking | Centralized platform | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who holds keys | You | You (delegation) or the pool | A protocol; you get a receipt token | The platform |
| Minimum | Network-set (high on some chains) | Low | Low | Low |
| Exit | Network unbonding rules | Unbonding rules | Sell the receipt token (may trade below value) | Platform terms |
| Slashing | You bear it | Shared | Shared, via the protocol | Platform terms |
| Extra risks | Running infrastructure | Operator quality | Smart-contract and de-peg risk | Platform failure |
| CRA guidance (2026-10-30) | Not addressed | Not addressed | Not addressed | Rewards generally income when credited |
CRA's mining and staking page (modified 2025-11-10) addresses only staking on a centralized platform. For other methods, keep records of each reward's date, units and CAD value, and see staking and rewards.
Questions people ask
Is staking income taxable in Canada?
CRA says rewards from staking on a centralized platform are generally income when credited. It has not addressed self-custody, delegated, liquid or DeFi staking as of 2026-10-30.
What is slashing?
A penalty some proof-of-stake networks impose on validators that misbehave or fail in certain ways, which can reduce the staked tokens of everyone delegated to them.
What is liquid staking?
A protocol stakes tokens for you and issues a receipt token you can trade or use elsewhere. It adds smart-contract risk and the receipt token can trade below the value of the staked tokens.
Sources and dates
- Reporting income from crypto-asset mining and staking activities — Canada Revenue Agencyin force
Page date 2025-11-10 · checked 2026-10-30. Mining is usually a business; staking rewards on a centralized platform are generally income when credited. Silent on self-custody/DeFi staking. - Ethereum staking — ethereum.orgreference
No date shown on page · checked 2026-10-31. Solo, pooled and centralized staking options and their trade-offs.
Education only. Nothing on this page is financial, investment, tax or legal advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell, stake, lend or borrow any crypto-asset. Crypto-assets can lose some or all of their value and are not covered by CDIC. Canadian rules change: check the dated sources above and talk to a qualified professional about your situation. Full disclaimer.