NZ Crypto Tax Calculator
Calculate tax on cryptocurrency trading, mining, staking, and airdrops for the 2025-26 or 2024-25 tax year.
Key Takeaway
New Zealand has no capital gains tax, but crypto profits are taxed as ordinary income if acquired with the purpose or intention of disposal. Most trading is considered taxable.
Key Facts
Tax Type
Income Tax
Tax Rates
10.5% – 39%
GST on Crypto
Exempt
Cost Methods
FIFO / WAC
How Crypto Tax Works in New Zealand
In New Zealand, cryptocurrency is not subject to a separate capital gains tax. Instead, profits from crypto are taxed as ordinary income under the Income Tax Act 2007 if the crypto was acquired with the purpose or intention of disposal.
For most people who trade or invest in crypto, this means their gains are taxable. Your crypto income is added to your other taxable income (salary, wages, etc.) and taxed at your marginal tax rate — between 10.5% and 39% depending on your total income.
Trading: When you sell crypto for NZD or swap for another token, the taxable gain is the sale proceeds minus your cost base (purchase price plus fees). If you make a loss, it may be deductible against other income.
Mining & Staking: Rewards from mining, staking, and DeFi activities are taxable at the NZD market value when received. This is treated as income in the year you receive it.
Airdrops: Airdropped tokens are generally taxable at market value when received, regardless of whether you requested them.
Frequently asked questions
How is cryptocurrency taxed in New Zealand?
New Zealand has no capital gains tax, but crypto profits are taxed as ordinary income if acquired with the purpose or intention of disposal. Most trading and investing is considered taxable. Your crypto gains are added to your other income and taxed at progressive rates from 10.5% to 39%.
Are crypto-to-crypto trades taxable?
Yes. Swapping one cryptocurrency for another is treated as a disposal event. You must calculate the gain or loss in NZD at the time of the trade. The taxable gain is the NZD value received minus the cost base of the crypto disposed of.
How is crypto mining and staking taxed?
Income from mining, staking, and DeFi yield is taxable at the market value when received. This is treated as ordinary income and added to your other earnings for the tax year.
What cost base method should I use?
IRD accepts FIFO (First In, First Out) or Weighted Average Cost methods. You must apply your chosen method consistently. FIFO assumes the oldest purchased crypto is sold first; weighted average pools all purchases together.
Are airdrops taxable in NZ?
Yes, airdrops are generally taxable at the market value when received. They are treated as income even though you didn't pay for them. If you later sell the airdropped tokens, any further gain is also taxable.
Do I need to pay GST on crypto?
No. Cryptocurrency is treated as an exempt supply for GST purposes in New Zealand. You do not charge or pay GST when buying or selling crypto.
Sources
Related Calculators
Last updated April 2026. Rates sourced from IRD.