Crypto Capital Gains Tax Calculator — Free 2026
Estimate your federal tax on Bitcoin, Ethereum and cryptocurrency sales. Covers short-term and long-term capital gains rates plus the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT).
Your Crypto Tax Estimate
In 2026, crypto gains are taxed as capital gains — short-term at ordinary income rates (10–37%) and long-term at 0%, 15%, or 20%. The new Form 1099-DA requires crypto brokers to report transactions to the IRS starting in 2026.
How It Works
- Enter purchase and sale prices
- Enter quantity sold
- Select holding period and filing status
- Review your tax estimate
Crypto Capital Gains Tax in 2026
The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property, not currency. Every time you sell, trade, or spend crypto at a profit, you trigger a taxable event. The amount of tax you owe depends on two key factors: how long you held the asset and your total taxable income. This calculator estimates your federal capital gains tax, including the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT), using 2026 tax brackets and long-term capital gains thresholds.
For 2026, the seven federal income tax brackets range from 10% to 37%, while long-term capital gains enjoy preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%. Whether you sold Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, or any other digital asset, the tax treatment is the same. Use our crypto profit calculator for a quick gain/loss overview, or the DCA calculator to model dollar-cost averaging strategies.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Rates
If you sell crypto that you held for less than one year, the gain is classified as short-term and taxed as ordinary income at your marginal federal rate (10%–37%). If you held the asset for one year or longer, the gain qualifies for long-term capital gains rates. For 2026, the long-term thresholds are:
| Rate | Single | Married Filing Jointly | Head of Household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | Up to $47,025 | Up to $94,050 | Up to $63,000 |
| 15% | $47,026 – $518,900 | $94,051 – $583,750 | $63,001 – $551,350 |
| 20% | Over $518,900 | Over $583,750 | Over $551,350 |
These thresholds apply to your total taxable income (other income plus the gain, minus the standard deduction), not just the crypto gain itself. The calculator performs a bracket walk to determine the exact tax on the gain portion.
The New Form 1099-DA
Starting with tax year 2026, cryptocurrency exchanges and brokers are required to file Form 1099-DA (Digital Asset Proceeds from Broker Transactions) with the IRS. This form reports the gross proceeds from your crypto sales, similar to the 1099-B used for stock transactions. Major exchanges including Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, and Binance.US will send you a copy. Cost-basis reporting on Form 1099-DA begins for tax year 2027, so for 2026 you still need to track your own cost basis. Keep records of every purchase date, amount, and price paid.
Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT)
High earners face an additional 3.8% surtax on net investment income under IRC Section 1411. The NIIT applies to the lesser of your net investment income (which includes capital gains) or the amount by which your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds the threshold: $200,000 for single filers, $250,000 for married filing jointly, and $125,000 for married filing separately. This tax is in addition to capital gains tax and is not indexed for inflation.
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