Crypto Capital Gains Tax Calculator
See exactly how much tax you'll owe on your Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other cryptocurrency for the 2026 tax year. Enter what you paid, what you sold for, how long you held, and your income — no signup, nothing stored.
Federal estimate only. State tax may apply on top — check your state rate. This is not tax advice.
Need multiple lots, wallets, or a full Form 8949 breakdown? Use the full CapitalCalc calculator →
How crypto capital gains tax works
The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property, not currency (Notice 2014-21). That means every time you sell, trade, or spend crypto at a profit, you realize a capital gain — and owe tax on it. The rate depends entirely on how long you held before disposing of it.
- Short-term (held 1 year or less): taxed as ordinary income at your marginal rate — 10% to 37%.
- Long-term (held more than 1 year): taxed at the preferential rate of 0%, 15%, or 20% based on your taxable income.
2026 long-term crypto tax rates
| Rate | Single | Married Filing Jointly |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Up to $49,450 | Up to $98,900 |
| 15% | $49,451 – $545,500 | $98,901 – $613,700 |
| 20% | Over $545,500 | Over $613,700 |
Taxable income above these thresholds may also trigger the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) — applied when modified AGI exceeds $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).
What counts as a taxable crypto event?
- Selling crypto for USD or another fiat currency
- Trading one crypto for another (e.g., BTC → ETH)
- Spending crypto on goods or services
- Receiving staking, mining, or airdrop rewards (taxed as ordinary income at receipt)
Buying and holding, transferring between your own wallets, and gifting (within limits) are not taxable events.