Crypto Tax Capital Gains Calculator
When you sell cryptocurrency for more than you paid, the gain is subject to capital gains tax. The rate depends on how long you held the asset: short-term gains (held 12 months or less) are taxed as ordinary income, while long-term gains (held more than 12 months) are taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20% based on your income. This calculator uses IRS 2024 federal rates as published in IRS Revenue Procedure 2023-34. It does not constitute tax advice; consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation.
Capital gains tax formula
Capital Gain = Sale Proceeds - Cost Basis
Tax Owed = Capital Gain x Tax Rate
If NIIT applies: Tax Owed = Capital Gain x (Tax Rate + 3.8%)
After-Tax Proceeds = Sale Proceeds - Tax Owed
Source: IRS Publication 550 and IRS Revenue Procedure 2023-34 (2024 tax year rates).
2024 IRS long-term capital gains rates
- 0% rate: taxable income up to $47,025 (single) or $94,050 (married filing jointly).
- 15% rate: taxable income $47,026 to $518,900 (single) or $94,051 to $583,750 (married filing jointly).
- 20% rate: taxable income above $518,900 (single) or $583,750 (married filing jointly).
- Short-term gains are taxed at ordinary income rates (10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, or 37%).
- An additional 3.8% net investment income tax applies if your MAGI exceeds $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).
Crypto capital gains tax: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between short-term and long-term crypto capital gains?
If you hold a cryptocurrency for one year or less before selling, any gain is a short-term capital gain taxed at your ordinary income tax rate (up to 37% in 2024). If you hold for more than one year, the gain qualifies as a long-term capital gain taxed at preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your taxable income.
What is cost basis for crypto?
Cost basis is what you originally paid for a cryptocurrency, including any fees paid at purchase. For example, if you bought 1 Bitcoin for $30,000 and paid $50 in fees, your cost basis is $30,050. The IRS allows FIFO (first-in, first-out) as the default accounting method for crypto, though specific identification is also permitted.
Are crypto-to-crypto trades taxable?
Yes. Under IRS guidance (Rev. Rul. 2023-14 and Notice 2014-21), exchanging one cryptocurrency for another is a taxable event. The fair market value at the time of the exchange determines your proceeds, and your cost basis in the original coin determines your gain or loss.
Does this calculator account for state taxes?
No. This calculator estimates federal capital gains tax only using IRS rates. Most US states also tax capital gains as ordinary income. Add your state income tax rate to the federal rate for an approximate combined liability.
What is the net investment income tax (NIIT) on crypto?
High-income taxpayers may owe an additional 3.8% net investment income tax on crypto gains. The NIIT applies when your modified adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). This calculator includes a checkbox to add the NIIT surcharge.
Official sources
- IRS Notice 2014-21 (Virtual Currency Guidance): irs.gov/irb/2014-16_IRB.
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2023-34 (2024 tax year inflation adjustments): irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-23-34.pdf.
- IRS Publication 550, Investment Income and Expenses: irs.gov/publications/p550.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.