How are crypto taxed in the US?
Long-term capital gains (>1 year) are taxed at 0%, 15% or 20% depending on income. Short-term (<1 year) are taxed at the marginal rate (10-37%). Each transaction is a taxable event.
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Tax Exile Guide for Crypto: United States
Complete step-by-step procedure to transfer your tax residence to United States. Crypto tax rate: 0-37%.
Overview
Crypto tax rate
0-37%
Crypto-friendly score
β β β ββ
Cost of living
High
Banking ease
Easy
Regulation
Strict
Preparation time
6-12 months
Step 1: Preparation for Departure
A tax relocation to United States requires 6-12 months of preparation. Here are the essential steps before leaving.
1
Check your passport validity (minimum 6 months)
2
Gather all financial documents (bank statements, crypto history)
3
Notify your tax authority of your planned departure
4
Apply for a US visa
5
Obtain an SSN (Social Security Number, US)
6
Take out international health insurance
Step 2: Exit Tax
Some countries apply an exit tax on unrealised capital gains. Check whether your country of origin is affected.
The US applies an exit tax for citizens and long-term residents renouncing their nationality or green card (Mark-to-Market). Non-American expatriates are not affected.
β οΈ Warning: your country of origin may apply an exit tax. Consult a tax adviser.
Step 3: Visa & Residence
Choosing the right visa is essential for your tax relocation to United States. Here are the main visa options available.
View the United States visa guide on eVisa-Card.com β
Read the detailed guide on eVisa-Card.com: visa types, fees, processing times and procedures for United States.
Step 4: Banking & Finance
Opening a bank account in United States is a crucial step. Here are the recommended banks and the procedure.
Recommended banks
- π¦ Chase
- π¦ Bank of America
- π¦ Wells Fargo
- π¦ Mercury
- π¦ Charles Schwab
Required documents
- π Valid passport
- π Copy of visa / residence permit
- π SSN document (Social Security Number)
- π Proof of local address
- π Proof of regular income
Account opening time : 1-2 weeks
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and neo-banks (Mercury, Relay) are available. Account opening requires an SSN or ITIN. US banks are among the most developed in the world for crypto services.
Step 5: Transferring Your Cryptocurrencies
Transferring your crypto assets to United States requires compliance with local regulations. Here is the procedure.
Exchanges available in United States
CoinbaseKrakenGeminiBinance.US
Regulator : SEC / IRS / FinCEN
Transfer steps
1.
Verify that your exchange is authorised in the destination country
2.
Check SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission, US) compliance
3.
Transfer your crypto to a locally regulated exchange
4.
Report foreign accounts via FBAR (FinCEN 114)
5.
Keep a complete record of all transfers (dates, amounts, wallets)
The SEC and CFTC regulate cryptocurrencies. Exchanges must be registered (FinCEN). Coinbase, Kraken and Gemini are the main regulated platforms. IRS declarations are mandatory for all crypto transactions.
Step 6: Settlement & Daily Life
Settling in United States: what you need to know for your daily life.
The US offers an unmatched tech and crypto ecosystem. San Francisco, Miami and Austin are major crypto hubs. The cost of living varies enormously between states. The healthcare system is private and expensive.
Step 7: Tax Compliance in United States
Your tax obligations in United States after settling.
Filing deadline
15 avril
Forms to complete
Form 1040
Schedule D (Capital Gains)
Form 8949 (Crypto Transactions)
FBAR (FinCEN 114)
Obligations
β
Progressive taxation from 0% to 37% depending on income
β
Exit tax if net worth > 2,000,000 USD (nationality renunciation)
β
File an annual tax return
β
Declare worldwide income (residents)
The US taxes crypto capital gains as capital gains: 0-20% for long-term (>1 year) and at the marginal rate for short-term (<1 year). Form 8949 and Schedule D are mandatory. FBAR is required for foreign accounts >10,000 USD.
Estimated monthly cost of living
| Studio/1-bedroom rent | 1 200-2 500 EUR/month |
| Family rent (3 bedrooms) | 2 000-5 000 EUR/month |
| Utilities (water, electricity, internet) | 150-300 EUR/month |
| Food | 400-800 EUR/month |
| Transport | 150-350 EUR/month |
| Health insurance | 300-700 EUR/month |
| Estimated monthly budget | 2 200 - 9 700 EUR/month |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- βAdvantageous long-term rates
- βClear HMRC guidance
- βLarge market
Cons
- βCitizenship-based taxation
- βComplex filing
- βAdditional state taxes
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to declare crypto-to-crypto exchanges?
Yes, in the US each crypto-to-crypto exchange is a taxable event and must be declared on Form 8949. This is one of the strictest regimes in the world.
What visa for a crypto investor?
The E-2 visa (investor) or O-1 (extraordinary ability) are the most suitable. The EB-5 requires an investment of 800,000 USD+. The B-1/B-2 visa does not allow working.
Which state is the most crypto-friendly?
Wyoming, Florida and Texas have no state income tax. Miami is the crypto hub with Bitcoin Miami. Wyoming has the most advanced legislation (DAO LLC).
What is the cost of living in the US?
Highly variable: 1,500 EUR/month in southern states to 5,000+ EUR/month in San Francisco or New York. Miami: 2,500-5,000 EUR/month. Austin: 2,000-4,000 EUR/month.
β οΈ Disclaimer
This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Laws and regulations change regularly. Consult a qualified professional before making any decision regarding tax relocation.
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