Complete Guide to Crypto Taxes

Everything you need to know about cryptocurrency taxation, reporting, and compliance.

Taxable Events

  • Selling crypto for fiat currency
  • Trading one cryptocurrency for another
  • Using crypto to purchase goods or services
  • Receiving mining rewards
  • Earning staking rewards
  • Receiving airdrops

Capital Gains Tax

Cryptocurrency is treated as property for tax purposes. You'll pay capital gains tax on profits when you sell.

Short-term vs Long-term

  • Short-term: Held less than 1 year - taxed as ordinary income (10-37%)
  • Long-term: Held more than 1 year - preferential rates (0%, 15%, or 20%)

Calculating Your Taxes

Use our free Tax Calculator to estimate your crypto tax liability.

The basic formula: Capital Gain = Sale Price - Cost Basis

Record Keeping

Maintain detailed records of:

  • All purchase dates and prices
  • All sale dates and prices
  • Trading fees
  • Staking and mining rewards
  • Wallet addresses and exchange names

Tax Strategies

  • Tax Loss Harvesting: Sell losing positions to offset gains
  • Long-term Holding: Hold assets for 1+ year for lower tax rates
  • Cost Basis Methods: Choose FIFO, LIFO, or Specific Identification