Crypto Wash Sale Calculator
Check if your crypto loss may trigger wash sale rules. Enter your transaction details to see if the loss is deductible and calculate your adjusted cost basis.
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Important Tax Disclaimer
Crypto wash sale rules vary by jurisdiction and are evolving. In the US, the IRS has not explicitly applied wash sale rules to crypto (as of 2026), but proposed legislation may change this. This calculator is educational — consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
Wash Sale Calculator
Enter your transaction details to check for wash sale implications
How Wash Sales Work
A wash sale occurs when you sell an asset at a loss and repurchase the same or "substantially identical" asset within 30 days before or after the sale. The purpose of wash sale rules is to prevent investors from claiming artificial tax losses while maintaining their position.
Day window (before and after sale)
Only applies to losses, not gains
Disallowed loss adds to new cost basis
The 61-Day Wash Sale Window
If you buy the same asset anywhere in this 61-day window (30 days before through 30 days after), the loss may be disallowed.
Crypto-Specific Wash Sale Considerations
| Scenario | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sell BTC, rebuy BTC within 30 days | Likely wash sale | Same asset — standard wash sale trigger |
| Sell BTC, buy ETH within 30 days | Probably OK | Different assets — not 'substantially identical' |
| Sell ETH, buy WETH within 30 days | Gray area | Wrapped versions may be considered identical |
| Sell on Exchange A, buy on Exchange B | Still applies | Wash sale applies regardless of venue |
| Sell spot BTC, buy BTC futures | Gray area | Derivatives may trigger wash sale rules |
| Sell BTC, wait 31+ days, rebuy | Safe | Outside the 30-day window |
| Tax-loss harvest to different asset | Safe | Switch to correlated but different asset |
Crypto Wash Sale Rules Explained
The wash sale rule is a tax regulation that prevents investors from claiming a tax deduction on a loss if they repurchase the same asset within 30 days. While historically applied only to stocks and securities, there is growing regulatory pressure to extend wash sale rules to cryptocurrency.
For legal tax-loss harvesting strategies that avoid wash sale issues, see our Tax-Loss Harvesting Tool. To estimate your overall crypto tax obligations, use our Tax Preview Calculator. For finding the right tax software, check the Tax Software Finder.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the wash sale rule apply to crypto?
As of early 2026, the IRS has not explicitly applied wash sale rules to cryptocurrency. However, proposed legislation (including provisions in the Build Back Better Act) would extend wash sale rules to digital assets. Many tax professionals recommend treating crypto as subject to wash sale rules proactively. Check with your tax advisor for current guidance.
What is the 30-day wash sale window?
The wash sale window is actually 61 days: 30 days before the sale, the sale date itself, and 30 days after. If you buy the same or substantially identical asset at any point in this window, the loss from the sale may be disallowed for tax purposes.
What happens to a disallowed wash sale loss?
The disallowed loss isn't permanently lost — it's added to the cost basis of the replacement asset. This means you'll recognize the loss later when you eventually sell the replacement asset (assuming you don't trigger another wash sale). It's a deferral, not a permanent disallowance.
Can I avoid wash sales with crypto tax-loss harvesting?
Yes. The safest approach is to sell at a loss and either: (1) wait 31+ days before repurchasing, or (2) buy a different but correlated asset instead (e.g., sell ETH and buy SOL). This allows you to maintain market exposure while legally harvesting the tax loss.