Calculating Crypto Taxes

Overview

Calculate cryptocurrency tax obligations from transaction history. Supports FIFO, LIFO, and HIFO cost basis methods, identifies taxable events (trades, staking, airdrops), and generates Form 8949 compatible reports.

DISCLAIMER: This tool provides informational calculations only, not tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional.

Prerequisites

• Transaction history exported as CSV from your exchanges (Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, etc.)
• Python 3.8+ installed
• Understanding of your tax jurisdiction's crypto rules

Instructions

1. Prepare transaction data by exporting CSV from each exchange:

   Exchange	Export Location
   Coinbase	Reports > Tax documents > Transaction history CSV
   Binance	Orders > Trade History > Export
   Kraken	History > Export
   Generic	See ${CLAUDE_SKILL_DIR}/references/exchange_formats.md for column mapping

2. Run basic tax calculation using FIFO (IRS default):

   python ${CLAUDE_SKILL_DIR}/scripts/tax_calculator.py --transactions your_trades.csv --year 2025  # 2025 = tax year
   

3. Compare cost basis methods to understand tax implications:

   python ${CLAUDE_SKILL_DIR}/scripts/tax_calculator.py --transactions trades.csv --compare-methods
   

   Methods: --method fifo (IRS default), --method lifo (Last In First Out), --method hifo (minimize gains)

4. Generate Form 8949 report as CSV: