US vs Australia Crypto Tax Rates (2026)
Last updated: September 18, 2026. The United States and Australia both tax crypto disposals, but they calculate the final bill differently. This comparison explains the structural differences and routes you to the detailed country-specific rate guides.
This page is a country comparison, not the complete rate table for either jurisdiction. Use the US crypto capital gains tax guide or the Australian crypto tax rate guide for current brackets, examples and planning detail.
US vs Australia Crypto Tax Rates at a Glance
| Issue | United States | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| How investment crypto is treated | Property; a disposal generally creates a capital gain or loss | A CGT asset; a disposal generally creates a capital gain or loss |
| Short holding period | Net short-term gains are taxed at ordinary federal rates | The net capital gain is included in taxable income and taxed at marginal rates |
| Long holding period | More than one year can qualify for 0%, 15% or 20% federal long-term rates | Eligible resident individuals may currently apply the CGT discount after at least 12 months, subject to the applicable rules and reform timetable |
| Earned crypto | Generally ordinary income at fair market value when received or controlled | Generally ordinary income when derived, depending on the activity and facts |
| Where disposals are reported | Form 8949 and Schedule D for capital disposals | Capital-gains section of the Australian income tax return with supporting records |
| Additional layers | State tax and the 3.8% NIIT may apply | Medicare levy and residency/status rules can affect the final result |
Crypto Capital Gains Tax in the United States
For 2026, net long-term gains generally use the 0%, 15% or 20% federal capital-gains rates. Net short-term gains are taxed at the ordinary federal rates of 10% through 37%. Taxable income and filing status determine where a gain lands, while the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax and state income tax can increase the total.
See the complete US crypto capital gains tax rates, calculator and worked examples.
Crypto Capital Gains Tax in Australia
Australian individual investors generally include their net capital gain in assessable income, where it is taxed at their marginal rate. Eligible Australian residents may currently reduce a qualifying gain under the CGT discount rules after holding the asset for at least 12 months. Current law and the legislated reform timetable should be checked for the date of the disposal.
See the complete Australian crypto tax rate and CGT guide.
Tax rates and eligibility rules change. These summaries are general information; confirm the law for the tax year, transaction date, residency and your individual facts.
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Keep reading
- Crypto tax rates for 2026 short vs long-term, and the brackets that apply.
- Work with a US crypto tax accountant get your filing handled by specialists.