crypto 2025-01-13
Cryptocurrency Tax Calculation Guide
Understand how cryptocurrency taxes work and how to calculate them.
Cryptocurrency transactions may be taxable events. Here's what you need to know.
Taxable Events
1. Selling crypto for fiat 2. Trading crypto for crypto 3. Using crypto for purchases 4. Receiving mining/staking rewards
Capital Gains Calculation
Gain/Loss = Sale Price - Cost Basis
Cost Basis Methods:
- FIFO (First In, First Out)
- LIFO (Last In, First Out)
- Specific Identification
Short-term vs Long-term
- Short-term: Held < 1 year (ordinary income rates)
- Long-term: Held > 1 year (lower capital gains rates)
Record Keeping
Track for each transaction:
- Date acquired
- Cost basis
- Date sold
- Sale price
- Fees