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2025-12-18

How Investing vs Trading impacts tax

In most cases of buying and selling cryptocurrency as a retail investor, you are participating in investing rather than trading. The two are treated differently for tax purposes.

  • Investing is subject to capital gains tax or income tax, depending on the nature of the transaction.
  • Trading in this case refers to self-employment which is subject to income tax and National Insurance Contributions.

The key difference between investing and trading – along with the different tax treatments, is how losses generated in the crypto-activity can be used.

In their guidance, HMRC have explicitly stated that they would expect it to be exceedingly rare that any crypto-activity constituting buying & selling crypto would be classified as “trading”.

If you are uncertain, speak to a tax advisor as there are always exceptions, including but not limited to, developing tokens and large scale mining.

How is crypto tax calculated in the United States?

You can be liable for both capital gains and income tax depending on the type of cryptocurrency transaction, and your individual circumstances. For example, you might need to pay capital gains on profits from buying and selling cryptocurrency, or pay income tax on interest earned when holding crypto.

CoinLedger

CoinLedger is an accessible crypto tax platform with over 1,000 exchange and wallet integrations.

Best for: Users who want a simple, straightforward experience without complex DeFi needs.

Key differentiator: Offers an unlimited transaction plan for high-volume traders at a fixed price.

Pricing: $49 (100 transactions) to $499+ (10,000+ transactions).

Limitation: Does not generate Schedule D forms - you will need to complete this manually or with other software.

Notable: Strong NFT support with OpenSea integration.

CoinTracker

CoinTracker is a portfolio tracker and tax calculator supporting over 30,000 cryptocurrencies.

Best for: Users who prioritize portfolio tracking alongside tax reporting.

Key differentiator: Direct integrations with TurboTax and H&R Block Desktop.

Pricing: $59 (100 transactions) to $599 (10,000 transactions), with full-service options up to $3,499.

Limitation: Customer support is limited on lower-tier plans - priority support requires the $599 Ultra plan.

Notable: Good security with end-to-end encryption and SOC 2 compliance.

ZenLedger

ZenLedger offers both DIY crypto tax reports and professional full-service accounting.

Best for: Users who want tax loss harvesting included at every pricing tier.

Key differentiator: Tax loss harvesting is available on all plans, not just premium tiers.

Pricing: $49 (100 transactions) to $399 (15,000 transactions).

Limitation: Only offers 400+ exchange integrations - significantly fewer than competitors. Some users report customer support issues with long wait times.

Notable: TurboTax integration and 14-day refund policy.

blog
Dec 18
,
 
2025
 - 
10
min read

Product Update: Aster DEX and Sei support now live

Summ now supports Aster DEX and the Sei network, making it easier to import perpetual, spot, and on-chain transactions for accurate crypto tax reporting. Connect via API, wallet address, or CSV to simplify your crypto tax calculations and reduce manual tracking.

Key takeaways
This tax guide is regularly updated: Last Update  

Aster DEX and Sei now supported on Summ

We've added direct support for two more networks: Aster DEX and Sei. If you're trading on either platform, you can now import your transactions directly into Summ.

Aster DEX integration

Aster DEX is a non-custodial platform for decentralized perpetual contracts. If you're trading perps on Aster, your transactions can now import directly into Summ to get your tax reports.

We support two import methods, allowing you to choose the one that works best for your workflow:

  • API connection: Securely connect your Aster account via secure API for automatic transaction imports. Set it up once, and sync new transaction data with one click whenever you need it.
  • CSV upload: Prefer to do it yourself? Download your transaction CSV from Aster and drop into Summ to upload your Aster transactions. Same comprehensive data, different approach.

Sei network support

Sei transactions can now be imported by adding your wallet address. The process is straightforward: copy and paste your Sei wallet address under add accounts in the app, and your transaction history will automatically ingest.

Sei is a Layer 1 blockchain designed for trading applications, and if you're using it, your transactions now feed directly into your tax calculations, eliminating the need for manual tracking.

Why it matters

More integrations mean more complete and accurate data. When your transactions import automatically across all the platforms you use, you spend less time hunting down CSVs and more time understanding your tax position.

Summ proudly offers direct support for over 3500 integrations, making it easy to import your transactions and generate precise reports. In the rare event that your integration isn’t listed, all trading can be supported with a custom CSV upload.

Both integrations are live now. Log in or sign up to connect your accounts.

The information provided on this website is general in nature and is not tax, accounting or legal advice. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs and seek professional advice. Summ (formerly Crypto Tax Calculator) disclaims all and any guarantees, undertakings and warranties, expressed or implied, and is not liable for any loss or damage whatsoever (including human or computer error, negligent or otherwise, or incidental or Consequential Loss or damage) arising out of, or in connection with, any use or reliance on the information or advice in this website. The user must accept sole responsibility associated with the use of the material on this site, irrespective of the purpose for which such use or results are applied. The information in this website is no substitute for specialist advice.

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Try Summ today

Import your transactions and generate a free report preview.

Blog

18 December 2025

X

 Min read

Product Update: Aster DEX and Sei support now live

Summ now supports Aster DEX and the Sei network, making it easier to import perpetual, spot, and on-chain transactions for accurate crypto tax reporting. Connect via API, wallet address, or CSV to simplify your crypto tax calculations and reduce manual tracking.

Team Summ

This tax guide is regularly updated: Last Update 

....

December

18

2025

Aster DEX and Sei now supported on Summ

We've added direct support for two more networks: Aster DEX and Sei. If you're trading on either platform, you can now import your transactions directly into Summ.

Aster DEX integration

Aster DEX is a non-custodial platform for decentralized perpetual contracts. If you're trading perps on Aster, your transactions can now import directly into Summ to get your tax reports.

We support two import methods, allowing you to choose the one that works best for your workflow:

  • API connection: Securely connect your Aster account via secure API for automatic transaction imports. Set it up once, and sync new transaction data with one click whenever you need it.
  • CSV upload: Prefer to do it yourself? Download your transaction CSV from Aster and drop into Summ to upload your Aster transactions. Same comprehensive data, different approach.

Sei network support

Sei transactions can now be imported by adding your wallet address. The process is straightforward: copy and paste your Sei wallet address under add accounts in the app, and your transaction history will automatically ingest.

Sei is a Layer 1 blockchain designed for trading applications, and if you're using it, your transactions now feed directly into your tax calculations, eliminating the need for manual tracking.

Why it matters

More integrations mean more complete and accurate data. When your transactions import automatically across all the platforms you use, you spend less time hunting down CSVs and more time understanding your tax position.

Summ proudly offers direct support for over 3500 integrations, making it easy to import your transactions and generate precise reports. In the rare event that your integration isn’t listed, all trading can be supported with a custom CSV upload.

Both integrations are live now. Log in or sign up to connect your accounts.

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Frequently asked questions

How is crypto tax calculated in Australia?

You can be liable for both capital gains and income tax depending on the type of cryptocurrency transaction, and your individual circumstances. For example, you might need to pay capital gains on profits from buying and selling cryptocurrency, or pay income tax on interest earned when holding crypto.

How does payment work?

We have an annual subscription which covers all previous tax years. If you need to amend your tax return for previous years you will be covered under the one payment.

Can I use my own accountant?

Yes, Summ (formerly Crypto Tax Calculator) is designed to generate accountant friendly tax reports. You simply import all your transaction history and export your report. This means you can get your books up to date yourself, allowing you to save significant time, and reduce the bill charged by your accountant. You can discuss tax scenarios with your accountant, and have them review the report.

Do you support NFT transactions?

We do! We have integrations with many NFT marketplaces, as well as categorisation options for any NFT related activity (minting, buying, selling, trading).

How does the free trial work?

The platform is free to use immediately upon signup, allowing you to import your transactions and take advantage of our smart suggestion and auto-categorisation engine, portfolio tracking, DeFi and NFT support. For access to reports, the tax loss harvest tool or chat and priority support, you will need to upgrade to the appropriate paid plan.

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