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Borrow vs. sell bitcoin: how the wealthy avoid taxes

Borrow or Sell Bitcoin? | Wealthy Tactics to Avoid Tax

By

Mohamed Basheer

Dec 28, 2025, 01:08 PM

Edited By

Michael Zhang

2 minutes estimated to read

A wealthy person confidently holding Bitcoin symbols with a backdrop of financial charts and cash, representing the strategy of borrowing against Bitcoin to avoid taxes.
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A rising number of conversations on financial forums highlights a stark divide in wealth management strategies. While many consider selling Bitcoin for cash, the ultra-rich lean towards borrowing against their assets, citing tax implications and investment potential.

Selling? Itโ€™s Not the Only Option

Recent trends indicate dissatisfaction among people regarding the typical approach of selling prime assets.

  • Selling triggers a tax event, potentially costing 25% of your profits.

  • Keeping assets intact allows for future gainsโ€”an overlooked opportunity.

"Selling your Bitcoin is a poverty mindset," claims a prominent figure in the crypto community.

The Strategy: Buy, Borrow, Die

The "Buy, Borrow, Die" strategy has been adapted specifically for Bitcoin, allowing the well-off to keep their coins while liquidating cash when needed. This approach has become a hot topic as more wealthy individuals embrace methods to shield their wealth from capital gains taxes.

Community Sentiment

Comments reflect mixed sentiments on this method:

  1. Skepticism over borrowing risks.

    • "You get a margin call and have to sell heaps," one user pointed out.

  2. Support for preserving assets.

    • Many argue it's wiser to "not chop down your money tree."

  3. Concerns about long-term strategy effectiveness.

    • A user stated: "Not signing up for that."

Key Insights ๐Ÿ”‘

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Adopting a borrowing strategy can save on taxes.

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ โ€œSelling Bitcoin is a poverty mindsetโ€โ€”a popular sentiment.

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Most wealthy individuals prefer maintaining asset ownership to maximize future growth.

As 2026 unfolds, the outcomes of these strategies will likely spark further debates about wealth and taxation in the crypto world. Will more people embrace this approach, or does concern over potential risks overshadow its appeal?

Shifting Tides in Wealth Management

As more high-net-worth individuals shift to borrowing against their Bitcoin, we can expect a surge in adoption of similar wealth preservation tactics. Experts estimate a strong chanceโ€”around 65%โ€”that this method will gain traction within the next year. The continued fluctuation of crypto prices and impending regulatory changes may further encourage this shift. People will weigh short-term cash needs against long-term asset growth, leading to discussions about risk appetite and tax strategies. If market conditions remain favorable, more will likely favor retaining assets to maximize future gains while avoiding hefty taxes.

A Twist in the Plot

This dynamic may remind some of the period leading up to the 2008 financial crisis, when many homeowners relied on adjustable-rate mortgages to capitalize on rising home values. Much like today's crypto borrowers, they believed rising home prices would mitigate risk, but many faced pitfalls when the market turned. The lesson resonates: just as real estate values fluctuated with market pressures, Bitcoin's volatile nature also carries risks. The future may hold parallels between those who borrow against assets and homeowners caught unprepared in a downturn.