United States Cryptocurrency Tax
Detailed cryptocurrency tax rates and rules for United States in 2026.
The IRS treats cryptocurrency and digital assets as property for federal tax purposes. Selling, trading, or using crypto to purchase goods or services triggers a taxable capital gains event. The same short-term and long-term capital gains rates that apply to stocks and other capital assets apply to crypto. Mining and staking rewards are treated as ordinary income at the time of receipt, valued at fair market value. Crypto received as payment for goods or services is also taxed as ordinary income.
Crypto Tax Status
Taxed
Treatment
Property (Capital Asset)
Additional Notes
Starting in 2024, the IRS requires digital asset brokers to report transactions on Form 1099-DA. Taxpayers must report all crypto transactions on Form 8949 and Schedule D. Crypto-to-crypto trades are taxable events. Losses can offset gains and up to $3,000 of ordinary income per year, with unused losses carried forward. The IRS has increased enforcement and audit activity in the digital asset space. DeFi transactions, NFT sales, and airdrops may also carry tax obligations.
How United States Crypto Tax compares
United States taxes cryptocurrency gains. 68 of 203 countries TaxAtlas tracks take the same approach, which is useful context when weighing where to live, invest, or incorporate.
