Do I owe crypto tax if I did not cash out to dollars?

Yes — trading one crypto for another, or spending crypto, is a taxable disposal. Only buying and holding, or moving between your own wallets, is not taxable.

Crypto Tax Calculator — Capital Gains on Bitcoin & Crypto

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Crypto Tax

Capital gains • Short vs long

Sale proceeds (what you sold for)

Cost basis (what you paid)

Holding period ⓘ

Filing status

Other taxable income ⓘ

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Enter your trade to estimate the tax

How the Crypto Tax Calculator Works

Enter your sale proceeds and cost basis.
Choose how long you held it — over a year qualifies for lower long-term rates.
Add your income to set the rate, and see your tax and after-tax proceeds.

How Crypto Is Taxed (2026)

The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property, so selling, swapping or spending it is a taxable event. Your capital gain equals proceeds minus cost basis. Held one year or less, gains are short-term and taxed at your ordinary income rate; held over a year, they're long-term at the favorable 0%, 15% or 20% rates based on income. High earners may also owe the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax.

Starting in 2025–2026, exchanges report proceeds on Form 1099-DA, so accurate basis tracking matters more than ever. Losses can offset gains and up to $3,000 of ordinary income. Estimate only; not tax advice.

Crypto Tax FAQ

Do I owe tax if I didn't cash out to dollars? ▾

Yes — trading one crypto for another, or spending crypto on goods, is a taxable disposal. Only buying and holding (or moving between your own wallets) is not taxable.

How are long-term gains taxed? ▾

At 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your taxable income — much lower than short-term gains, which use your ordinary income bracket. Holding over a year can cut the tax substantially.

Can crypto losses lower my taxes? ▾

Yes. Capital losses offset capital gains dollar-for-dollar, and up to $3,000 of net loss can offset ordinary income each year, with the rest carried forward.

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