Crypto Tax Basics Cheat Sheet

Last Updated: November 21, 2025

Event Focus

Event	Tax Treatment
`Spot trade`	Taxed as capital gain/loss using FIFO or chosen method.
`Staking rewards`	Treated as ordinary income at receipt value.
`Crypto-to-crypto swap`	Triggers a taxable event (dispose + acquire).
`DeFi interest`	Report APY payouts as income using fair market value.


         export_trades --exchange binance --format csv

Standardize history before feeding to tax software.


         cointracking.info import

Upload CSVs to automate gain/loss calculations.


         create crypto-tax-summary.xlsx

Keep your own ledger for auditors.


         python reconcile.py --year 2024

Validate cost basis across exchanges with scripts.

Document each trade, reward, and swap by value/date, leverage export/import workflows, and store a reconciled ledger for filings.

💡 Pro Tip: Export CSVs from every exchange monthly so you can reconcile gains before quarterly filings.