Crypto Tax Calculator: Capital Gains & Tax Optimization
Cryptocurrency taxation has become increasingly complex as the IRS and global tax authorities tighten reporting requirements. In the United States, crypto is treated as property, meaning every sale, trade, or exchange triggers a taxable event. Short-term capital gains (assets held less than one year) are taxed at your ordinary income rate of 10% to 37%, while long-term gains (held over one year) benefit from preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your total taxable income.
The 2026 tax landscape for crypto includes mandatory broker reporting through Form 1099-DA, which most centralized exchanges now issue. The wash sale rule, which previously did not apply to crypto, is under active legislative review and may be enacted for digital assets. Tax-loss harvesting remains a powerful strategy, allowing you to sell losing positions to offset gains and reduce your tax bill by up to $3,000 per year against ordinary income if losses exceed gains.
This calculator estimates your crypto tax obligation based on your gains, holding period, and income bracket. Enter your buy price, sell price, and investment amount to see both the pre-tax profit and estimated after-tax return. Understanding your tax liability before selling helps you decide whether to hold for long-term treatment or realize short-term gains.
Key Data & Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Short-Term Rate (< 1 year) | 10% - 37% (ordinary income) |
| Long-Term Rate (> 1 year) | 0%, 15%, or 20% |
| Net Investment Income Tax | 3.8% (income > $200K single) |
| Annual Loss Deduction Cap | $3,000 (excess carries forward) |
| Wash Sale Rule (Crypto) | Under review for 2026+ |
| Tax-Free Threshold (Single) | $0 - $47,025 (0% LTCG bracket) |
| Broker Reporting Form | 1099-DA (new for 2025+) |
| Record Keeping Required | All transactions, cost basis |
Profit/Loss Examples
| Scenario | Buy Price | Sell Price | Investment | P/L | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Term Gain (24% bracket) | $70,000 | $100,000 | $10,000 | +$4,286 (gross) / +$3,257 (after tax) | +32.6% net |
| Long-Term Gain (15% rate) | $30,000 | $100,000 | $10,000 | +$23,333 (gross) / +$19,833 (after tax) | +198.3% net |
| Tax-Loss Harvest | $4,000 | $3,200 | $8,000 | -$1,600 (saves ~$384 in taxes) | -20% (offset) |
| High Income ST Gain (37%) | $90,000 | $105,000 | $50,000 | +$8,333 (gross) / +$5,250 (after tax) | +10.5% net |
| 0% LTCG Bracket | $20,000 | $100,000 | $5,000 | +$20,000 (gross) / +$20,000 (after tax) | +400% net |
Crypto Profit/Loss Calculator
Profit/Loss
Investment Summary
Who Uses This Calculator?
Pre-sale tax estimation
Calculate your estimated tax liability before selling crypto to avoid surprises at tax time. Knowing whether you owe 15% or 37% on a gain can significantly affect your decision to sell now or hold longer.
Tax-loss harvesting execution
Identify losing positions in your portfolio worth selling to offset realized gains. If you have $10,000 in gains, selling $10,000 in losses reduces your tax bill to zero, and you can immediately rebuy if the wash sale rule does not apply.
Holding period optimization
Determine exactly when each crypto position crosses the one-year threshold for long-term capital gains treatment, potentially saving you 12-22 percentage points in tax rate.
Quarterly estimated tax payments
Calculate estimated taxes owed each quarter to avoid IRS underpayment penalties. If you expect to owe more than $1,000 in crypto taxes, quarterly payments may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Crypto Calculators
More Crypto Tools
Investment Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risk, including the potential for total loss of capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.