A Trade transaction shows the cost basis of both the incoming and outgoing tokens.
For outgoing tokens, the cost basis was calculated when the tokens were originally received, so it can't be edited directly on the trade itself. To change the cost basis of the outgoing token, find and edit the original transaction that brought those tokens into your account.
How cost basis is calculated on a Trade
A Trade has two sides: an outgoing asset (the tokens you're trading away) and an incoming asset (the tokens you're receiving). CoinTracker calculates the cost basis on the outgoing side using the cost basis assigned to those tokens when they originally entered your account.
Because a Trade's cost basis is derived from the original incoming transaction, editing the cost basis of the outgoing asset on the trade itself would break the link to that history. Editing the original transaction keeps the cost basis accurate across your transaction history, portfolio, and tax reports.
How to change a Trade's cost basis
To change the cost basis on a Trade, find the original transaction that brought those tokens into your account — the purchase, deposit, or airdrop — and edit the cost basis for that transaction. CoinTracker uses the updated value to recalculate the Trade's cost basis.
- On the Transactions page, navigate to the original transaction where the tokens were brought into your account.
- Select the [...] option on the right-side of the transaction.
- Select Edit cost basis
- Input the value and select Update to confirm.
Trade's cost basis is zero
If a Trade's cost basis is zero, this is usually due to an insufficient quantity error. This happens when CoinTracker doesn't see enough of the outgoing asset in your account to cover the trade. When that happens, CoinTracker assigns a $0.00 cost basis to the disposal and flags the trade as Review suggested.
The underlying cause is usually one of the following:
- A missing wallet or exchange. The wallet or exchange that originally held the tokens isn't connected to your CoinTracker account.
- Missing or unsynced transactions. Purchases, deposits, or transfers in that brought the tokens into your account aren't in your account yet.
- A missing price history flag on the original transaction. When CoinTracker can't find a price for the asset on the date it was received, the cost basis can't be carried forward to the trade.
To resolve the underlying issue, see how to fix an insufficient quantity error or fix a missing price history error. For an overview of all flag types, see the guide on review suggested flags.
If you run into any issues, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for help.