Do I pay capital gains tax on crypto trades?

[kevin1]

In most countries, yes.
Capital gains tax applies when you sell or swap crypto at a profit. The rate often depends on how long you held the asset:

Short-term gains (held under 1 year) → usually taxed like regular income

Long-term gains (held over 1 year) → often taxed at a lower rate

Countries like Germany even waive tax on gains if coins are held longer than 12 months.

[Nahid Hossen]

In most countries, trading crypto does trigger capital gains tax.

[Abdul Khan]

Early hype cooling off—market entering a more realistic phase.

[JanEmil]

They are trying to get a share.