Federal · United States

    Crypto Tax Calculator

    Estimate federal tax on cryptocurrency sales. The IRS treats crypto as property — short-term gains use ordinary rates, long-term gains use 0% / 15% / 20%.

    Last updated: May 23, 2026IRS treats crypto as propertyShort-term: ordinary ratesLong-term: 0% / 15% / 20%
    Inputs

    Configure your scenario

    Enter sale proceeds, cost basis, and holding period for a crypto tax estimate.

    Capital gain

    $8,000

    Estimated tax

    $1,200

    Tax rate

    15%

    Breakdown

    Detailed estimate

    Capital gain
    $8,000
    Estimated rate
    15%
    Estimated federal tax
    $1,200
    FAQ

    Crypto tax — quick answers

    Do I owe tax just for holding crypto?+

    No. You only owe tax when you sell, trade, spend, or earn it. Holding (HODLing) is not a taxable event.

    Is swapping one coin for another taxable?+

    Yes — the IRS treats crypto-to-crypto trades as a sale of property at fair market value.

    What about staking and airdrops?+

    Staking rewards and airdrops are taxed as ordinary income at fair market value when received. This calculator covers capital gains only.

    Can I deduct crypto losses?+

    Yes — capital losses offset capital gains, and up to $3,000 of net loss can offset ordinary income per year.

    Sources & Act Reference

    Why this estimate

    Notice 2014-21

    Virtual currency is treated as property; general property-transaction rules apply.

    Form 8949 / Schedule D

    Crypto sales are reported on Form 8949 and flow to Schedule D for capital gains tallying.

    Rule Trace

    Applied rule and official references

    Applied rule: Long-term gain applied at 15% based on your taxable income band.

    Compliance checklist

    Track date acquired, date sold, cost basis, proceeds, and holding period for every crypto disposition.

    Smart Insight

    Holding past one year drops most filers from ordinary rates to 15%, often cutting the tax bill by a third or more.