The cryptocurrency industry has seen major wins since President Donald J. Trump returned to the White House. In one of the most dramatic moves yet, Trump has pushed a “no tax on crypto” vision that could radically reshape how digital assets are treated in the United States.
While still unfolding, the plan—sometimes referred to as Trump’s “zero tax on crypto” proposal—marks a major shift in federal policy. Here's what investors need to know about Trump’s tax on crypto stance, how it impacts the cryptocurrency market, and what the future may hold for the broader crypto industry.
Trump’s Crypto Vision: Zero Taxes on Long-Term Gains
Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order aiming to eliminate capital gains taxes on certain long-term cryptocurrency holdings. This move would make the U.S. the first major economy to embrace such a crypto-friendly tax regime.
In short, the no tax on crypto Trump plan proposes:
- Zero capital gains taxes on digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others held for a long term (over one year).
- Exemptions applying both to centralized platforms like cryptocurrency companies and peer-to-peer networks across decentralized finance (DeFi).
- New rules that encourage Americans to invest and hold, supporting growth in the domestic cryptocurrency market.
The goal? To make America the crypto capital of the world.
How the Executive Order Fits In
Following the creation of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve earlier this year, Trump signed another major executive order focused on reducing the IRS’s involvement with crypto investors.
A key feature of the order:
- Directing tax agencies to draft new guidelines minimizing reporting obligations for individual crypto holders.
- Nullifying previous efforts (under the Biden administration) to extend IRS rules to decentralized finance platforms.
This move built on Trump’s earlier decision to overturn the IRS’s expansion of the “broker” definition to include DeFi exchanges—a change he signed into law after strong lobbying from the cryptocurrency industry.
The Impact on Cryptocurrency Companies and Investors
The idea of zero taxes on crypto is a game-changer for both retail investors and major cryptocurrency companies.
For Individual Investors:
- Long-term crypto holders could sell assets like Bitcoin without paying federal capital gains taxes.
- This incentivizes long-term investment and holding strategies rather than quick, speculative trades.
- It removes much of the tax complexity and paperwork that discouraged many Americans from entering the digital assets space.
For Crypto Businesses:
- A crypto-friendly U.S. makes the country more attractive for exchanges, wallets, and DeFi protocols looking for regulatory certainty.
- Major players like Coinbase and Kraken may deepen their U.S. operations rather than expanding overseas.
For the Broader Market:
- Reducing tax burdens could lead to new inflows of money into Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoins.
- It might boost American dominance in the next cryptocurrency market cycle.
Potential Challenges and Criticism
Despite the optimism, Trump’s zero tax on crypto approach isn’t without controversy:
- Critics argue it could reduce federal tax revenue.
- Others worry it could encourage speculative bubbles in volatile assets.
- Some lawmakers fear it would favor the wealthy, who are more likely to hold large crypto portfolios.
Additionally, state taxes may still apply. While Trump’s federal plan is groundbreaking, individual states could create their own crypto tax rules unless future federal laws preempt them.
Trump’s Working Group and Future Proposals
Trump has also established a working group dedicated to further shaping U.S. crypto policy. Their tasks include:
- Proposing frameworks for crypto custody.
- Exploring blockchain innovations across government systems.
- Recommending incentives for cryptocurrency companies operating in the U.S.
Members of the working group include top figures from the crypto industry as well as blockchain-knowledgeable policymakers, signaling that Trump’s White House is serious about building a sustainable digital asset economy.
Expect more announcements soon, including new efforts to tie stablecoins to the U.S. dollar—another move meant to reinforce America’s leadership in global digital assets.
What This Means for the Long-Term Investor
If Trump’s no tax on crypto plan fully takes hold, the U.S. could become the most advantageous country for long-term crypto investors.
Here’s what smart investors should consider:
- Holding periods will become even more important. Assets held for over one year could enjoy penalty-free and tax-free treatment.
- Diversification into a range of digital assets may grow in popularity as new tax incentives are formalized.
- Wealth management strategies will shift to integrate more crypto alongside traditional asset classes.
In simple terms: the future is looking brighter for long-term crypto holders under President Donald Trump.
The Bottom Line
Trump’s no tax on crypto plan represents a bold reimagining of the relationship between government and the cryptocurrency industry. By eliminating capital gains taxes on long-term digital asset holdings, Trump’s zero taxes on crypto approach could encourage more Americans to invest, innovate, and lead in the rapidly evolving world of digital assets.
As always, investors should monitor new developments and consider consulting financial professionals to fully understand the impact of these sweeping changes.