What is the difference between short-term and long-term capital gains?

Short-term gains apply when you sell crypto held for one year or less. They are taxed at ordinary income rates (10%–37%). Long-term gains apply when you hold for more than one year and are taxed at preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your income.

How are long-term capital gains rates determined?

For 2024, the 0% rate applies up to $47,025 taxable income (single filers), 15% applies up to $518,900, and 20% applies above that. Married filing jointly thresholds are approximately double those figures.

Does this tool account for state taxes?

No — this tool estimates federal tax only. Most states also tax capital gains at ordinary income rates, so your total liability will typically be higher than the federal estimate shown here.

What counts as cost basis for crypto?

Cost basis is generally what you paid to acquire the crypto, including any fees. If you received crypto as income, its fair market value on the day received is your basis.

Is this tool a substitute for professional tax advice?

No. This is an educational estimator using simplified federal bracket logic. Your actual tax liability depends on many factors including filing status, deductions, alternative minimum tax, and state rules. Consult a qualified tax professional.

What if I have a loss?

A capital loss reduces your taxable gains. You can offset capital gains with capital losses in the same tax year, and net losses up to $3,000 can be deducted against ordinary income annually, with excess losses carried forward.

Crypto Tax Estimator

Name: Crypto Tax Estimator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter your crypto trade details and taxable income to estimate US federal capital gains tax owed on short-term and long-term gains.

Trade Details

Purchase Price per Coin (USD)

Sale Price per Coin (USD)

Quantity Sold (coins)

Holding Period

Short-term Long-term

Short-term = held ≤1 year | Long-term = held >1 year

Your Taxable Income

Used to determine your capital gains rate. Enter your total taxable income for the year (single filer).

2024 Long-term rates (single filer):

0% — income up to $47,025
15% — $47,026 to $518,900
20% — above $518,900

Enter trade details and click Calculate

Your estimated US federal capital gains tax will appear here.

Summary

Enter your crypto trade details and taxable income to estimate US federal capital gains tax owed on short-term and long-term gains.

How it works

Enter the purchase price (cost basis) per coin and the sale price per coin.
Enter the number of coins sold.
Select whether the holding period is short-term (under 1 year) or long-term (1 year or more).
Enter your estimated annual taxable income so the tool can pick the correct tax bracket.
The tool calculates total gain or loss and the estimated federal tax owed.

Use cases

Estimate tax liability before selling a cryptocurrency position.
Compare tax owed on short-term versus long-term sales.
Plan the best time to sell to qualify for long-term capital gains rates.
Run multiple trade scenarios to minimize total tax bill.
Get a rough estimate before meeting with a tax professional.
Understand how your income bracket affects your crypto tax rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-08 · Reviewed by Nham Vu