US Crypto Tax Calculator (2026)
Calculate your US cryptocurrency tax based on short-term or long-term capital gains rates.
Trade Details
Tax Rate Selection
Capital gain
$20,000
Tax owed
$4,800
24% short-term
After-tax profit
$15,200
After-tax profit
$15,200
This calculator provides an estimate based on general 2026 IRS rules and is not tax advice. Consult a CPA for your specific situation.
The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property, not currency. Your tax rate depends entirely on how long you held it: sell within a year and gains are taxed as ordinary income; hold over a year and you qualify for lower long-term rates.
Tax Rules
- •Crypto taxed as property under IRS Notice 2014-21; every sale, trade, or spend is a taxable event.
- •Short-term (held ≤365 days): ordinary income rates, 10%–37%.
- •Long-term (held 366+ days): preferential rates, 0%, 15%, or 20%, based on taxable income.
- •2026: brokers now report proceeds and cost basis to IRS via Form 1099-DA.
- •No wash-sale rule currently applies to crypto.
Worked Example
Buy $40,000, sell $60,000, held 6 months (short-term). Gain = $20,000. At 24% marginal rate: tax ≈ $4,800. Same gain held past 366 days at 15% long-term rate: tax ≈ $3,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is crypto-to-crypto trading taxable in the US?
Yes — swapping one crypto for another is a taxable disposal, same as selling for cash.
Do I owe tax if I just hold crypto?
No — holding alone isn't taxable. Tax applies only when you sell, trade, or spend it.
What changed with Form 1099-DA in 2026?
Exchanges must now report your transaction proceeds and cost basis directly to the IRS.
Last updated: 2026-10-03
Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate based on general 2026 IRS rules and is not tax advice. Consult a CPA for your specific situation.