Crypto tax in United States of America

How is cryptocurrency taxed in the United States of America?

Cryptocurrency is taxed as capital gains in the United States of America, with a headline rate of 20%.

Common questions

What is the tax classification for crypto in the USA?
In the United States of America, cryptocurrency is classified and taxed as capital gains.
What is the headline capital gains tax rate for crypto in the USA?
The headline capital gains tax rate for cryptocurrency in the United States of America is 20%.
Does the USA offer long-term capital gains tax exemptions for crypto?
The United States of America does not offer long-term capital gains tax exemptions for cryptocurrency.

Crypto in United States of America is taxed as a capital gain.

Treatment
taxed as a capital gain
Long-term
Still taxed
Headline rate
20%

For an individual relocating to the US, crypto disposals are taxed as capital gains property transactions, with no tax-free holding period and long‑term gains generally taxed at up to 20% federally (plus possible 3.8% NIIT and state taxes).

“For U.S. tax purposes, digital assets are considered property, not currency.[8]” Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Reflects the treatment of an individual's crypto disposals. Estimate — confirm against the linked source. See methodology.