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Every crypto sale triggers a capital gain or loss calculation. If you are dealing with short term capital gains crypto tax, understanding the mechanics is essential to knowing what you owe and what you can do about it.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term
Crypto held for one year or less before disposal generates short-term capital gains, taxed as ordinary income at rates up to 37%. Crypto held for more than one year generates long-term capital gains, taxed at preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your income. The holding period starts the day after acquisition and ends on the day of disposal.
The Crypto-to-Crypto Problem
Swapping one cryptocurrency for another is a disposal of the first and an acquisition of the second. Each swap triggers a capital gains calculation on the disposed asset. If you traded Bitcoin for Ethereum, you must calculate your gain or loss on the Bitcoin based on your cost basis and the fair market value at the time of the swap.
Net Investment Income Tax
High-income taxpayers may owe an additional 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax on crypto capital gains. This applies to individuals with modified adjusted gross income above $200,000 ($250,000 for married filing jointly). This tax is on top of the regular capital gains rate.
Offsetting Gains With Losses
Capital losses from crypto can offset capital gains from crypto and other investments. If your losses exceed your gains, you can deduct up to $3,000 against ordinary income per year, with excess losses carried forward to future years. Strategic loss harvesting can significantly reduce your tax liability.