All Countries

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
USA flag
Canada
No items found.
2023-03-31

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
Mar 31
,
 
2023
 - 
10
min read

Product update - 13th May 2022

At Summ (formerly Crypto Tax Calculator), we are constantly working on improving our product so you can have the best experience at tax time. Check out our blog for the latest product updates.

Key takeaways
This tax guide is regularly updated: Last Update  

Hello there, crypto tax pals! We’ve decided to turn out product newsletters into blog posts, so you can access information on the latest updates from various sources. Without further ado, let’s dive into the latest Product Update.

Duplicate transaction

Embedded Image

You are now able to duplicate transactions in the review transactions page. For the transaction in question, simply click on the three dots, and select "Duplicate". This will duplicate the contents of the original transaction, for both individual, and grouped transactions (e.g. Trade and Swap).

Ability to select date format for Manual CSV imports

Embedded Image

Whilst we previously only supported importing manual CSVs in our standard date format (YYYY-MM-DD), we now support importing CSVs with two new date formats: MM-DD-YYYY and DD-MM-YYYY. You can select these within the Advanced dropdown.

Upgraded accountant functionality

Embedded Image

Users on our accountant plan now have the ability to re-invite collaborators and cancel pending invitations.

New report: Expense report

This is a new report outlining any miscellaneous expenses that you may have incurred when making crypto transactions. It includes any expense transactions, fee transactions, and gas fees or exchange fees when making a transfer between wallets or exchanges.

New landing pages

On our new accountant landing page, you can now book a demo with us, or submit an accountant enquiry form to get directly in touch with our partnerships team.

We also have 3 new feature pages to highlight 3 core aspects of our app: NFT SupportDeFi Support and Tax Reports.

New integration

We’re excited to announce that our integration with eToro is now live!

Embedded Image

Simply download your eToro transaction history CSV, and import it into our app to start reconciling your eToro transactions.

Minor changes

We have added support for the updated Kucoin CSV and Coinex CSV files.

The Import Data page has had a UI uplift, to make it as easy as possible to add in new wallets and exchanges into Summ (formerly Crypto Tax Calculator).

The bulk edit bar has also had a slight re-design to make it easier to implement new changes.

You can now filter by wallet nickname in the review transactions page.

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.

FAQ

No items found.
Table of contents
heading2
heading3

More resources

CryptoTax Calculator thumbnail
Blog
12
 
May
 
2026
The Best CoinTracker Alternatives for 2026
Compare the best CoinTracker alternatives for Canadian crypto investors in 2026, including Summ, CoinLedger, Coinpanda, and TokenTax across integrations, DeFi support, CRA compliance, security, and pricing.
Read More
CryptoTax Calculator thumbnail
Blog
11
 
May
 
2026
The Best Koinly Alternatives for 2026
Compare the best Koinly alternatives for Canadian crypto investors in 2026, including Summ, CoinLedger, CoinTracker, and ZenLedger across integrations, DeFi support, CRA compliance, security, and pricing.
Read More
CryptoTax Calculator thumbnail
Blog
7
 
Apr
 
2026
Shakepay taxes in Canada

If you've used Shakepay to buy, sell, or earn Bitcoin in Canada, here's how the CRA taxes your activity and how to report it accurately.

Read More

Try Summ today

Import your transactions and generate a free report preview.

Blog

13 May 2022

X

 Min read

Product update - 13th May 2022

At Summ (formerly Crypto Tax Calculator), we are constantly working on improving our product so you can have the best experience at tax time. Check out our blog for the latest product updates.

Shane Brunette

This tax guide is regularly updated: Last Update 

....

March

31

2023

Hello there, crypto tax pals! We’ve decided to turn out product newsletters into blog posts, so you can access information on the latest updates from various sources. Without further ado, let’s dive into the latest Product Update.

Duplicate transaction

Embedded Image

You are now able to duplicate transactions in the review transactions page. For the transaction in question, simply click on the three dots, and select "Duplicate". This will duplicate the contents of the original transaction, for both individual, and grouped transactions (e.g. Trade and Swap).

Ability to select date format for Manual CSV imports

Embedded Image

Whilst we previously only supported importing manual CSVs in our standard date format (YYYY-MM-DD), we now support importing CSVs with two new date formats: MM-DD-YYYY and DD-MM-YYYY. You can select these within the Advanced dropdown.

Upgraded accountant functionality

Embedded Image

Users on our accountant plan now have the ability to re-invite collaborators and cancel pending invitations.

New report: Expense report

This is a new report outlining any miscellaneous expenses that you may have incurred when making crypto transactions. It includes any expense transactions, fee transactions, and gas fees or exchange fees when making a transfer between wallets or exchanges.

New landing pages

On our new accountant landing page, you can now book a demo with us, or submit an accountant enquiry form to get directly in touch with our partnerships team.

We also have 3 new feature pages to highlight 3 core aspects of our app: NFT SupportDeFi Support and Tax Reports.

New integration

We’re excited to announce that our integration with eToro is now live!

Embedded Image

Simply download your eToro transaction history CSV, and import it into our app to start reconciling your eToro transactions.

Minor changes

We have added support for the updated Kucoin CSV and Coinex CSV files.

The Import Data page has had a UI uplift, to make it as easy as possible to add in new wallets and exchanges into Summ (formerly Crypto Tax Calculator).

The bulk edit bar has also had a slight re-design to make it easier to implement new changes.

You can now filter by wallet nickname in the review transactions page.

Discover savings opportunities and lower your tax with Summ

Get started for free

No credit card required

Track all your swaps, trades and DeFi activity with Summ for easy tax reporting

Get started for free

No credit card required

Struggling with your tax?

Let Summ do the hard work for you.

Select country

Connect accounts

Get tax report

Get started for free

No credit card required

Automate your record keeping with Summ

Get started for free

No credit card required

Get started for free

No credit card required

Frequently asked questions

How does the CRA treat cryptocurrency for tax purposes?

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) views cryptocurrency as a commodity, similar to a precious metal like gold. This means it's not considered legal tender like the Canadian dollar. How your cryptocurrency transactions are taxed depends on why you're using it. If you occasionally buy and sell cryptocurrency for investment purposes, any profits or losses are generally considered capital gains or losses. On the other hand, if your activities are more frequent, involve mining or staking, or are done with a profit motive, your cryptocurrency transactions may be considered business income or losses. The CRA requires you to report all taxable cryptocurrency transactions. This includes selling cryptocurrency for Canadian dollars or another cryptocurrency, using cryptocurrency to buy goods or services, receiving cryptocurrency as payment, and earning cryptocurrency from mining or staking. Failing to report these transactions can result in penalties or audits.

What are the tax implications for crypto-to-crypto trades in Canada?

The CRA considers crypto-to-crypto trades as dispositions. This means each trade triggers a capital gain or loss, even though you haven't received any Canadian dollars. To calculate the gain or loss, determine the adjusted cost base of the cryptocurrency you're disposing of and calculate the proceeds of disposition using the fair market value (in Canadian dollars) of the cryptocurrency you're acquiring.

Do I need to pay GST/HST on cryptocurrency transactions?

GST/HST may apply to cryptocurrency transactions in certain situations. If your business accepts cryptocurrency as payment for goods or services, you need to charge GST/HST. The tax is calculated on the fair market value of the cryptocurrency at the time of the transaction. Since the CRA treats crypto as a commodity, accepting it as payment is considered a barter transaction. Both parties involved in the barter may need to account for GST/HST. GST/HST generally doesn't apply to personal cryptocurrency transactions unless your activities are considered a business.

What happens if I fail to report cryptocurrency on my taxes in Canada?

Failing to report your cryptocurrency transactions can have serious consequences. The CRA can impose penalties and charge daily compound interest on any unpaid taxes. You may be subject to a tax audit, and in severe cases, you could face criminal charges. If you realize you made a mistake or omission on your tax return, you can correct it through the CRA's Voluntary Disclosures Program. This allows you to come forward and disclose the information before the CRA starts an audit. It's always best to be proactive and report all your cryptocurrency activity accurately and on time.

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-categorization 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.

Automate your crypto bookkeeping

01

SOC 2 type 2 certified

As SOC 2 Type 2 compliant, we ensure robust data security, giving customers confidence in entrusting us.
02

Secure organization

We conduct regular and thorough Security & Awareness training for all employees.
03

Full data privacy

Our application only ever requires 'read-only' access to your data.