Crypto Tax Calculator 2026
Calculate your cryptocurrency capital gains tax for 2026. Enter your trades to see short-term vs long-term gains, tax liability, and effective tax rate.
📋Tax Profile
Your W-2 or 1099 income (used to determine tax bracket)
💱Your Trades
Estimated Crypto Tax
$7,004
Effective rate: 39.3%
Total Gain/Loss
$17,800
Total Proceeds
$45,400
Tax Breakdown
Trade Summary
| Asset | Cost Basis | Proceeds | Gain/Loss | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTC | $21,000 | $34,000 | $13,000 | Long |
| ETH | $6,600 | $11,400 | $4,800 | Short |
| Total | $27,600 | $45,400 | $17,800 |
About the Crypto Tax Calculator 2026
Our crypto tax calculator helps you estimate your US federal tax liability on cryptocurrency trades for the 2026 tax year. Whether you traded Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, or any other cryptocurrency, this tool calculates your capital gains and applies the correct tax rates.
How Crypto Taxes Work in 2026
The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property, not currency. This means every sale, trade, or spending event is a taxable disposition. Your tax rate depends on two key factors:
- Holding period: Assets held <1 year are taxed as ordinary income (10-37%). Assets held >1 year qualify for long-term capital gains rates (0%, 15%, or 20%).
- Your income level: Both short-term and long-term rates depend on your total taxable income and filing status.
- NIIT surtax: High earners (over $200K single / $250K married) pay an additional 3.8% on net investment income.
What Triggers a Crypto Tax Event?
- Selling crypto for USD (or any fiat currency)
- Trading one crypto for another (e.g., BTC to ETH)
- Spending crypto on goods or services
- Receiving crypto as income (mining, staking, airdrops, salary)
Not taxable: Buying crypto with USD, transferring between your own wallets, and gifting (up to annual exclusion limit).
Common Questions
How is crypto taxed in the US?
Cryptocurrency is treated as property by the IRS. Selling, trading, or spending crypto triggers a taxable event. Short-term gains (held <1 year) are taxed as ordinary income (10-37%). Long-term gains (held >1 year) get preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%.
What is the difference between short-term and long-term capital gains?
Short-term capital gains apply to crypto held less than 1 year and are taxed at your ordinary income tax rate (10-37%). Long-term gains apply to crypto held over 1 year and are taxed at lower rates (0%, 15%, or 20% depending on income).
Can I deduct crypto losses?
Yes. Crypto losses can offset capital gains dollar-for-dollar. If losses exceed gains, you can deduct up to $3,000 per year against ordinary income and carry remaining losses forward to future tax years.
What triggers a taxable event?
Selling crypto for USD, trading one crypto for another, spending crypto on goods/services, and receiving crypto as payment or mining reward are all taxable events. Simply buying and holding crypto is NOT a taxable event.
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator uses 2026 US federal tax brackets and capital gains rates. It provides a reliable estimate but does not account for state taxes, wash sale rules, or complex situations. Consult a tax professional for official filings.