Crypto Tax in 🇺🇸 United States (2026)
Updated June 2026· By Net Life Value Editorial
How a private crypto investor is taxed in United States: Crypto is treated as property: gains on assets held under 12 months are taxed as ordinary income (10–37%), while long-term gains are taxed at 0%, 15% or 20% (plus a possible 3.8% net investment income tax); staking rewards are ordinary income at receipt.
Crypto tax
How United States taxes a private crypto investor — not part of the NLV score
Crypto is treated as property: gains on assets held under 12 months are taxed as ordinary income (10–37%), while long-term gains are taxed at 0%, 15% or 20% (plus a possible 3.8% net investment income tax); staking rewards are ordinary income at receipt.
Crypto tax is national — these rules apply to a private individual investor, not a professional trader or company, and are not part of the NLV score. This is general information, not tax advice — rules change and depend on your residency and circumstances. Confirm with the linked tax authority or a qualified adviser.
What you would owe
Estimated tax for a private investor on a realised gain in United States, by holding period. Figures in USD.
| Scenario | Rate | Tax | You keep |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 gain · Held 6 months | 32% | $3,200 | $6,800 |
| $10,000 gain · Held 2 years | 15% | $1,500 | $8,500 |
| $50,000 gain · Held 6 months | 32% | $16,000 | $34,000 |
| $50,000 gain · Held 2 years | 15% | $7,500 | $42,500 |
Simplified estimate — applies the headline rate, holding-period exemption and any annual allowance. Try the full calculator for any amount.
United States crypto tax — FAQ
Is cryptocurrency tax-free in United States?
No. Crypto is treated as property: gains on assets held under 12 months are taxed as ordinary income (10–37%), while long-term gains are taxed at 0%, 15% or 20% (plus a possible 3.8% net investment income tax); staking rewards are ordinary income at receipt.
How is crypto taxed in United States in 2026?
Crypto is treated as property: gains on assets held under 12 months are taxed as ordinary income (10–37%), while long-term gains are taxed at 0%, 15% or 20% (plus a possible 3.8% net investment income tax); staking rewards are ordinary income at receipt. This applies to a private individual investor; professional traders and companies are taxed under different rules.
Do you pay tax on Bitcoin held over a year in United States?
After 12 months the long-term rate of about 15% applies, versus about 32% on a shorter hold.
How are crypto staking rewards taxed in United States?
Staking rewards are taxed as income in United States.
Is there VAT on buying or selling crypto in United States?
No. Exchanging crypto for fiat money or for other crypto is VAT-exempt in United States.
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Data last updated: · Sources: Crypto-tax treatment reviewed 2026-06-01 from official sources — see the panel above. General information, not tax advice.. See methodology.