What are the tax implications of holding cryptocurrency in an individual account compared to an IRA?

3 answers

• Lewis Arnol YerriAug 17, 2020 · 6 years ago
  When it comes to the tax implications of holding cryptocurrency, there are some key differences between an individual account and an IRA. In an individual account, any gains from the sale or exchange of cryptocurrency are subject to capital gains tax. The tax rate depends on how long you held the cryptocurrency before selling it. If you held it for less than a year, it is considered a short-term capital gain and taxed at your ordinary income tax rate. If you held it for more than a year, it is considered a long-term capital gain and taxed at a lower rate. On the other hand, if you hold cryptocurrency in an IRA, the tax treatment is different. With a traditional IRA, you won't owe any taxes on the gains until you start taking distributions in retirement. However, when you withdraw the funds, the distributions are subject to ordinary income tax rates. With a Roth IRA, you contribute after-tax dollars, so you won't owe any taxes on the gains or withdrawals as long as you meet certain requirements. It's important to consult with a tax professional to fully understand the tax implications of holding cryptocurrency in these different types of accounts.
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• Nasir MalikNov 08, 2025 · 4 months ago
  Alright, let's dive into the tax implications of holding cryptocurrency in an individual account versus an IRA. In an individual account, you'll be subject to capital gains tax on any profits you make from selling or exchanging your cryptocurrency. The tax rate will depend on how long you held the cryptocurrency before selling it. If you held it for less than a year, it's considered a short-term capital gain and taxed at your ordinary income tax rate. If you held it for more than a year, it's considered a long-term capital gain and taxed at a lower rate. On the other hand, if you hold cryptocurrency in an IRA, the tax treatment is different. In a traditional IRA, you won't owe any taxes on the gains until you start taking distributions in retirement. However, when you withdraw the funds, the distributions are subject to ordinary income tax rates. With a Roth IRA, you contribute after-tax dollars, so you won't owe any taxes on the gains or withdrawals as long as you meet certain requirements. It's always a good idea to consult with a tax professional to get personalized advice based on your specific situation.
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• Jorgito da Silva PaivaJan 20, 2026 · a month ago
  The tax implications of holding cryptocurrency in an individual account compared to an IRA can vary. In an individual account, any gains from the sale or exchange of cryptocurrency are subject to capital gains tax. The tax rate depends on how long you held the cryptocurrency before selling it. If you held it for less than a year, it is considered a short-term capital gain and taxed at your ordinary income tax rate. If you held it for more than a year, it is considered a long-term capital gain and taxed at a lower rate. On the other hand, if you hold cryptocurrency in an IRA, the tax treatment is different. With a traditional IRA, you won't owe any taxes on the gains until you start taking distributions in retirement. However, when you withdraw the funds, the distributions are subject to ordinary income tax rates. With a Roth IRA, you contribute after-tax dollars, so you won't owe any taxes on the gains or withdrawals as long as you meet certain requirements. It's important to consult with a tax professional to fully understand the tax implications of holding cryptocurrency in these different types of accounts.
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