Last updated: March 2026
What Is the Crypto Tax Calculator?
The Crypto Tax Calculator is a free, browser-based tool that computes your US capital gains and ordinary income from cryptocurrency transactions using FIFO, LIFO, or HIFO cost basis methods. It distinguishes short-term (held under 1 year) from long-term gains and can export an IRS Form 8949 CSV ready to attach to your Schedule D.
Track every transaction type the IRS cares about: buys, sells, crypto-to-crypto swaps, staking rewards, mining income, and airdrops. All math runs in your browser — transactions never leave your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are crypto transactions taxed in the US?
The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property. Every sell, swap (crypto-to-crypto), or spend is a taxable event with a capital gain or loss. Holding period matters: assets held under 1 year are short-term gains (taxed as ordinary income at your regular bracket), and assets held longer than 1 year are long-term gains (taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on income). Staking rewards, mining income, and airdrops are ordinary income at fair market value when received.
What's the difference between FIFO, LIFO, and HIFO?
FIFO (First In, First Out) sells your oldest lots first — often triggers more long-term gains. LIFO (Last In, First Out) sells newest first. HIFO (Highest In, First Out) sells the most expensive lots first, minimizing taxable gain. The IRS allows any consistent method for crypto if you can specifically identify the lots; most taxpayers default to FIFO.
Is a crypto-to-crypto swap taxable?
Yes. Swapping BTC for ETH is a taxable event in the US. You must calculate the USD value at the time of the swap and recognize capital gain or loss on the BTC you disposed of. This is one of the most misunderstood rules — many traders assume swaps are tax-free because no fiat changed hands. They are not.
Do I need to report stakingrewards and airdrops?
Yes. Staking rewards, mining income, and airdrops are ordinary income at the USD fair market value when received. Then when you later sell those coins, you realize additional capital gain or loss based on the difference between sale price and that FMV basis. This tool handles both steps.
Is my data sent anywhere?
No. All calculations run in your browser. Transactions are not stored on any server. Export your Form 8949 CSV and your data stays with you.