Crypto Tax Basics: General Principles (Not Tax Advice)

Tax law varies enormously by jurisdiction. This is a general framework only — always consult a local tax professional.

Usually taxable events Selling crypto for fiat, swapping coin for coin (A for B), spending crypto, and receiving mining/staking/airdrop income are treated as taxable in most regions.

Usually not Buying with fiat and simply holding, or moving between your own wallets, usually does not trigger a tax obligation.

Cost basis is everything Taxable amount is typically sale price − purchase cost (cost basis). So from day one, record each buy's date, quantity, price, and fees. Without this you cannot prove your basis at filing time and may be taxed on the full amount.

Practical steps Keep a running ledger in a sheet or dedicated software; save exchange export records; distinguish long- vs short-term holds (rates differ in some places). Again: this is not tax advice — consult a local professional.

See also Crypto Tax Basics: Which Actions Are Taxable? A Global Primer, tax calculator