Crypto Tax Gain Calculator
Estimate the taxable capital gain or loss from a crypto sale based on cost basis, sale proceeds, and holding period.
How to use this tool
- Enter your total cost basis (what you paid, including fees).
- Enter the total proceeds from the sale (what you received, after fees).
- Enter your short-term and long-term tax rates.
- Select whether the holding period is short-term (under 1 year) or long-term.
- Read the capital gain or loss, estimated tax, and net after-tax proceeds.
Estimate the capital gains tax on a crypto sale. Tax laws vary by country — consult a qualified tax professional for advice. This is an estimate only, not financial or tax advice.
Formula
Capital Gain / Loss = Sale Proceeds − Cost Basis
Tax Owed = Capital Gain × Applicable Rate (0 if gain is negative)
Net After-Tax Proceeds = Sale Proceeds − Tax Owed
Rate = Short-term rate if holding period is 'short', otherwise Long-term rate.
How it works
This tool estimates capital gains tax on a crypto disposal by subtracting the original cost basis from the sale proceeds to determine the gain or loss, then applies either the short-term or long-term tax rate depending on the selected holding period. Tax is only assessed on gains; a loss results in zero tax owed (the tool does not model loss harvesting offsets). This is an estimate for planning purposes only — actual tax liability depends on jurisdiction, other income, deductions, and filing status; consult a tax professional for advice.
Worked example
Worked example
- Cost basis = $5,000; sale proceeds = $12,000; holding period = long; long-term rate = 15%.
- Capital gain = $12,000 − $5,000 = $7,000.
- Tax owed = $7,000 × 15% = $1,050.
- Net after-tax proceeds = $12,000 − $1,050 = $10,950.
Capital gain = $7,000; tax owed = $1,050; net after-tax proceeds = $10,950
Key terms
- Cost basis
- The original amount paid to acquire an asset, including purchase price and any associated fees, used to calculate capital gain or loss.
- Capital gain
- The profit realised when an asset is sold for more than its cost basis.
- Short-term capital gain
- A gain on an asset held for one year or less, typically taxed at ordinary income rates in the US.
- Long-term capital gain
- A gain on an asset held for more than one year, typically taxed at preferential lower rates in the US.
- Tax-loss harvesting
- Selling assets at a loss to offset capital gains and thereby reduce overall tax liability.
Frequently asked questions
- What is cost basis in crypto?
- Cost basis is the original value of the crypto for tax purposes — typically the purchase price plus any fees paid to acquire it. Accurate records are essential for correct tax reporting.
- Are crypto losses tax-deductible?
- In most jurisdictions, capital losses can offset capital gains, reducing your tax bill. If losses exceed gains, you may be able to carry them forward to future years. Check local tax rules.
- Does this cover every country?
- No — tax treatment of crypto varies by country. This calculator uses the US model (short-term vs long-term rates) as an illustration. Always consult a tax professional in your jurisdiction.