Estimate your capital gains tax on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrency trades. Supports US, UK, and Australia tax rules. Free, no login required.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Capital Gain (Sale Price - Purchase Price) | $0 |
| Holding Period Classification | — |
| Rate Description | — |
| Other Annual Income | $0 |
| Estimated Tax on Crypto Gain | $0 |
In most countries, cryptocurrency is treated as property, not currency, for tax purposes. This means every time you sell, trade, or spend crypto, you trigger a taxable event. Your capital gain is the difference between what you paid (cost basis) and what you received (proceeds).
The tax rate depends on how long you held the crypto and your country's specific rules. Long-term holders generally pay lower rates than short-term traders.
Answers to common questions about cryptocurrency taxation in the US, UK, and Australia
Cryptocurrency taxation continues to be one of the most complex areas of personal finance in 2026. As governments worldwide have refined their approach to digital assets, the rules have become more comprehensive and enforcement has increased. Whether you're a casual investor who bought a small amount of Bitcoin, an active trader moving between different altcoins, or someone earning income through DeFi protocols, understanding your tax obligations is essential. The key principle across all major tax jurisdictions is that cryptocurrency is treated as property rather than currency, meaning most transactions — including selling for fiat, trading one crypto for another, and spending crypto on goods or services — are taxable events that must be reported.
The three major English-speaking tax jurisdictions covered by this calculator — the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia — each have their own approach to taxing cryptocurrency gains. The United States taxes short-term crypto gains at ordinary income rates (10–37% for 2026) and long-term gains at preferential rates (0%, 15%, or 20%), depending on your income and filing status. The United Kingdom offers a £3,000 annual exemption before CGT applies, with a 10% rate for basic rate taxpayers and 20% for higher rate taxpayers. Australia provides one of the most generous regimes with a 50% CGT discount for assets held 12 months or more, effectively halving the tax on long-term crypto investments. Understanding these differences is crucial if you're a digital nomad or have tax obligations in multiple countries.
Your cost basis — the original value of an asset for tax purposes — is the foundation of accurate crypto tax reporting. When you buy Bitcoin at $10,000 and later sell at $25,000, your capital gain is $15,000. But if you bought in multiple transactions at different prices, calculating your gain requires choosing a cost basis method (FIFO, LIFO, or specific identification). The IRS, HMRC, and ATO all require you to track cost basis in your local fiat currency. Many exchanges now provide tax reports, but they may not capture all transactions — especially across multiple exchanges, wallets, and DeFi platforms. Using dedicated crypto tax software or maintaining a detailed spreadsheet is highly recommended for accurate reporting.