Specific identification (Spec ID): what it means for crypto tax
Specific identification means choosing exactly which lots of an asset you dispose of, rather than following an automatic order like FIFO. Where allowed, it gives the most control over your gain, but it demands precise, contemporaneous records identifying each unit sold.
General information, not tax advice. Crypto tax rules differ by country and change over time, verify against your country's guidance or a qualified advisor.
An example
You might nominate your highest-cost lot for a sale to minimise the gain, provided you can document which units you sold.
Why it matters for your tax
Spec ID offers the most control, but the evidence burden is the catch: you must be able to show, per disposal, exactly which acquisition it came from.
CryptaTax handles this automatically across your wallets and exchanges, so the concept is applied consistently without you tracking it by hand. Try the crypto tax calculator →
Related terms
See the full crypto tax glossary for every term, or the crypto tax guides for how they fit together.
FAQ
Specific identification means choosing exactly which lots of an asset you dispose of, rather than following an automatic order like FIFO. Where allowed, it gives the most control over your gain, but it demands precise, contemporaneous records identifying each unit sold.
See the crypto tax glossary for related terms, or the crypto tax guides for worked examples. Rules differ by country, so check your country's rules.