Crypto CGT Calculator (Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency Tax)
Calculate the capital gains tax on your cryptocurrency trades. Track multiple trades, see which qualify for the 50% CGT discount, and calculate your total tax liability.
Based on 2025-26 tax rates and current ATO crypto guidance.
Your salary or other income before crypto gains
Enter at least one complete trade to calculate CGT
How Crypto is Taxed in Australia
The ATO treats cryptocurrency as property, not currency. This means Capital Gains Tax (CGT) applies when you:
- Sell crypto for AUD (or any fiat currency)
- Swap one crypto for another (e.g., BTC → ETH)
- Spend crypto to buy goods or services
- Gift crypto to someone
The CGT Calculation
Capital Gain = Sale Price - Cost Base
Cost Base = Purchase Price + Transaction Fees
The 50% CGT Discount
If you hold cryptocurrency for at least 12 months before selling, you're entitled to a 50% CGT discount. This means only half of your capital gain is added to your taxable income.
| Scenario | Gain | Discount | Taxable | Tax @ 32% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Held 6 months | $10,000 | None | $10,000 | $3,200 |
| Held 12+ months | $10,000 | 50% | $5,000 | $1,600 |
Tip: If you're close to the 12-month mark, waiting a few extra days before selling could save you 50% on your CGT.
What Triggers a CGT Event?
| Action | CGT Event? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buying crypto with AUD | No | Establishes your cost base |
| Selling crypto for AUD | Yes | Calculate gain/loss vs cost base |
| Swapping crypto to crypto | Yes | Disposal of first crypto at market value |
| Spending crypto | Yes | Disposal at market value of goods |
| Moving between wallets | No | Same owner, no disposal |
| Receiving as payment | No* | *But is ordinary income at market value |
| Gifting crypto | Yes | Disposal at market value |
Offsetting Losses
If you sell crypto at a loss, you can use that loss to offset capital gains:
- Losses offset gains from crypto, shares, property, or other CGT assets
- Losses are applied to gains before the 50% discount
- Unused losses can be carried forward to future years
- Losses cannot offset regular income (like salary)
Loss Offset Example
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross gains (before discount) | $15,000 |
| Losses | -$5,000 |
| Net gain before discount | $10,000 |
| 50% CGT discount | -$5,000 |
| Taxable capital gain | $5,000 |
Personal Use Asset Exemption
In limited circumstances, crypto may qualify as a "personal use asset" and be CGT-exempt:
- Must be acquired and used quickly for personal purchases
- Cost must be under $10,000
- Must not be held as an investment
Warning: The ATO scrutinises personal use claims closely. Most crypto held by investors does not qualify. If you bought crypto hoping it would increase in value, it's an investment, not personal use.
Record Keeping
The ATO requires you to keep records of all crypto transactions for at least 5 years, including:
- Date of each transaction
- Value in AUD at the time
- What the transaction was for
- Who the other party was (if applicable)
- Exchange records and wallet addresses
Note: The ATO has data-matching programs with Australian and international crypto exchanges. They know about your trades.
FAQ
How is cryptocurrency taxed in Australia?
The ATO treats crypto as a capital asset, not currency. Selling, swapping, or spending crypto triggers a CGT event. Your gain or loss is the difference between your cost base and the sale price. Gains are added to your taxable income and taxed at your marginal rate.
Do I get the 50% CGT discount on crypto?
Yes, if you hold your cryptocurrency for at least 12 months before selling, you're entitled to a 50% CGT discount. This means only half of your capital gain is added to your taxable income.
What is the personal use asset exemption for crypto?
If crypto is acquired and used quickly for personal purchases (like buying goods), it may qualify as a personal use asset and be CGT-exempt if the cost was under $10,000. However, this rarely applies to typical investors.
How do I calculate cost base for crypto?
Your cost base includes the purchase price in AUD at the time of acquisition, plus any transaction fees. If you acquired crypto through multiple purchases, you generally use FIFO (First In, First Out) to determine which coins were sold.
Can I offset crypto losses against gains?
Yes, capital losses from crypto can offset capital gains from crypto or other assets. If your losses exceed your gains, the excess can be carried forward to future years. Capital losses cannot offset regular income.
Is swapping one crypto for another taxable?
Yes, crypto-to-crypto swaps are CGT events. When you swap BTC for ETH, you're disposing of BTC (triggering CGT) and acquiring ETH at its market value.
Tax Accuracy & Sources
This calculator is an estimate tool and may not cover all personal circumstances. For state-based taxes, confirm details with your state or territory revenue office.
Last reviewed: February 2026. Based on current ATO cryptocurrency guidance.