Tracking Your Crypto Uses for Tax Purposes

Friday Focus:  Tracking Your Crypto Uses for Tax Purposes

Because the IRS treats cryptocurrency as property, you are required to track every single transaction you make and calculate your capital gain or loss. So, let us say that you decided to use crypto to buy a cup of coffee at your local coffee shop. It is not enough to just save the receipt. You need to track the amount of capital you have gained or lost. Obviously, that is challenging to do. You will need to know the cost basis for each transaction. You must also file Form 8949 with the IRS, on which you will need to provide specific information, including the cryptocurrency in question, when you bought it, when you sold it/disposed of it, the amount you earned in the deal, your cost basis, and the total gain or loss you incurred. Note that this process must be repeated for every single taxable event. If you use crypto to buy a cup of coffee, that would be another taxable event. Most people do not use Bitcoin to get their morning java, and for good reason.

How Crypto-Based Income Is Taxed

While the labyrinthine process above might make it seem different, cryptocurrency-related income is actually taxed just like regular income at the end of the day. So, what is considered crypto income? If you mine crypto and receive rewards, that is considered income. Staking crypto also results in taxable income, as does lending it and receiving interest. Of course, if someone pays you for goods or services in cryptocurrency, that is also considered income.

https://www.natlawreview.com/article/recent-court-case-leaves-many-speculating-taxation-staking-rewards

What If You Have Gains or Losses?

In addition to your income from cryptocurrency being taxed, you also need to consider capital gains taxes. As mentioned, the IRS treats crypto like real estate (or stocks, if you prefer), and you will be responsible for capital gains after disposing of it. Currently, the capital gains taxes for crypto gains are the same as for stock gains. Moreover,  if you purchased and sold an NFT, this is a taxable event and may be taxed at a higher rate.  The IRS may classify an NFT as a collectible.

https://www.natlawreview.com/article/taxation-purchase-and-sale-nfts

In Conclusion:

While cryptocurrency has been around for many years at this point, it is still relatively new for many people. Understanding how it is taxed, as well as what the government considers taxable and nontaxable events, is critical to using this financial tool to your benefit and not to your detriment.

As a disclaimer, please note that the IRS still has not issued crystal clear guidance when it comes to crypto, specifically DeFi and NFTs. Guidance to some of the questions will come from case law and rules for similar assets/investments. Please speak with your tax professional before engaging in any transaction as this is not formal tax advice.

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Credit: https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/financials/cryptocurrency-stocks/crypto-taxes/

https://blockworks.co/doj-moves-to-dismiss-tezos-staking-tax-case-in-closely-watched-crypto-dispute/

This article is provided for informational purpose only.  Highline Wealth Partners does not offer investments in digital assets.   The information contained in this article does not represent legal, tax or investment advice.  This information is provided by sources believed to be reliable, but no assurances can be given as to the accuracy of this information.  The information provided is not intended to be individual or personalized investment or tax advice and should not be used for trading purposes. Please consult with your professional financial adviser and tax professional for personalized investment and/or tax advice.  

Digital assets are a relatively new asset class. They are subject to unique and substantial risks, and historically, have been subject to significant price volatility. The value of an investment in digital assets could decline significantly and without warning, including to zero. You should be prepared to lose your entire investment.

Digital assets are unregulated and may be more susceptible to fraud and manipulation than more regulated investments. Digital assets are subject to rapid price swings, including as a result of actions and statements by influencers and the media.

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