Last updated: March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I owe tax on crypto I haven't sold?
No — buying and holding is not a taxable event. Tax applies when you sell, swap, or spend crypto, or when you receive it as income (staking, mining, airdrops). Unrealized gains on unsold coins are not taxed.
How do I track cost basis across multiple exchanges?
Export CSV from each exchange (Coinbase, Kraken, Binance), combine into a single transaction list, then run through this calculator. The tool handles FIFO/LIFO/HIFO consistently across all your data.
What if I lost coins in a hack or lost my keys?
Lost/stolen crypto can generally be written off as a capital loss (theft loss rules tightened under TCJA — check with a CPA). Permanently lost coins (wrong address, lost wallet) are harder to deduct and usually require realizing the loss through a deliberate disposition.
Does this handle NFTs?
NFT sales work like other crypto capital gains — proceeds minus cost basis equals gain. Enter them as sell transactions. NFTs may be taxed as collectibles (28% rate) if held long-term; consult a tax professional.