The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property. Every sell, trade, or use of crypto is a taxable event.
Short-term crypto gains (held < 1 year) are taxed as ordinary income, up to 37%.
Long-term gains (held ≥ 1 year) qualify for preferential 0–20% rates.
Germany exempts long-term crypto gains held over 1 year from all tax.
Yes. The IRS treats crypto as property. Capital gains tax applies to sells, trades, and payments.
Hold for 1+ year for long-term rates, harvest tax losses, or donate appreciated crypto to charity.