Crypto Taxes in the USA 2026: Complete IRS Guide
Quick Answer: In the US, the IRS treats crypto as property, not currency. You owe capital gains tax whenever you sell, spend, or trade crypto for another asset (including crypto-to-crypto). Report on Form 8949/Schedule D. Use specific identification (spec-ID) or FIFO cost-basis to calculate gains, and tax software like CoinTracker or Koinly to automate it. Short-term (<1 year) gains are taxed at ordinary rates; long-term (≥1 year) at lower capital gains rates. US crypto taxes are complicated because nearly every crypto transaction is a taxable event — even buying one coin with another. Getting it right requires tracking cost basis carefully. This is a general guide, not professional tax advice; consult a CPA for your situation. — ...