Crypto Tax Calculator

Calculate capital gains tax on cryptocurrency trades. Short-term vs long-term with NIIT calculation.

$
$
Holding Period
$

Capital Gain

$15,000.00

Tax Rate

15.0%

Estimated Tax

$2,250.00

Net Proceeds

$22,750.00

Tax Breakdown

Cost Basis$10,000.00
Sale Proceeds$25,000.00
Capital Gain$15,000.00
Tax TypeLong-Term Capital Gains
Effective Tax Rate15.00%
Net After Tax$22,750.00

Use the Crypto Tax Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Our Crypto Tax Calculator meticulously computes your capital gains tax liability on cryptocurrency trades, differentiating between short-term and long-term gains. Understanding this is crucial for accurate 2026 tax filings, especially with potential IRS scrutiny on digital asset transactions and the impact on your overall tax burden.

The calculator determines short-term gains (assets held less than one year) taxed at ordinary income rates, and long-term gains (assets held over one year) taxed at preferential rates. It then applies the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) of 3.8% to the lesser of your net investment income or the amount by which your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds the 2026 thresholds ($250,000 for married filing jointly, $200,000 for single filers).

Remember, 'wash sale' rules don't currently apply to crypto, but always maintain detailed records of every transaction (cost basis, date acquired, date sold, proceeds). Incorrectly classifying a trade or omitting transactions can lead to significant penalties and interest from the IRS.

Example: Calculating 2026 Crypto Capital Gains for a Married Couple

  1. 1 Step 1: Input your 2026 data. Assume a married couple filing jointly with a MAGI of $300,000. They have short-term crypto gains of $15,000 and long-term crypto gains of $25,000.
  2. 2 Step 2: Calculate ordinary income tax on short-term gains and preferential tax on long-term gains based on their income bracket. Then, determine the NIIT. Total net investment income is $15,000 (short-term) + $25,000 (long-term) = $40,000.
  3. 3 Step 3: Since their MAGI ($300,000) exceeds the married filing jointly threshold ($250,000) by $50,000, and their net investment income is $40,000, the NIIT applies to the full $40,000. NIIT = $40,000 * 0.038 = $1,520.
  4. 4 Step 4: The final tax liability for these crypto gains would be the sum of ordinary income tax on the $15,000 short-term gain, preferential long-term capital gains tax on the $25,000, plus the additional $1,520 in Net Investment Income Tax.

Source: IRS — Digital Assets · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How is cryptocurrency taxed in 2026?
Crypto is taxed as property. Short-term gains (held under 1 year) are taxed as ordinary income (10-37%). Long-term gains (held over 1 year) get preferential rates (0%, 15%, or 20%). The 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax also applies to high earners.
What crypto transactions are taxable?
Taxable events include selling crypto for cash, trading one crypto for another, spending crypto on goods or services, and receiving mining or staking rewards. Buying crypto with cash, transferring between your own wallets, and gifting (under the annual exclusion) are not taxable events.
How do I report crypto on my taxes?
Report each taxable transaction on Form 8949 with date acquired, date sold, proceeds, cost basis, and gain/loss. Summarize on Schedule D. Crypto received as income (mining, staking, airdrops) is reported as ordinary income on Schedule 1 or Schedule C.