Cryptocurrencies have become an interesting topic of discussion lately and with the continual rise in their value, it’s easy to understand why.
If you’ve dabbled into bitcoin trading or you’re curious about how crypto works come tax season, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll cover four of the most important questions you need answered to understand crypto this coming year
Cryptocurrencies are a subset of digital currencies that are decentralized and utilize cryptography to secure transactions and to control the creation of additional units of the currency. The most popular cryptocurrency right now is bitcoin.
Cryptocurrencies make it easier to transfer funds between two parties in a transaction; these transfers are facilitated through the use of public and private keys for security purposes. These fund transfers are done with minimal processing fees, allowing users to avoid the steep fees charged by most banks and financial institutions for wire transfers.
They are also known as virtual currencies or digital currencies.
Cryptocurrencies are property, not currency, so those transactions are taxable. However, the IRS currently requires you to calculate your capital gains and losses as if they were foreign currency transactions.
Treat crypto like a stock. For tax purposes, the I.R.S. treats Bitcoin and other virtual currencies as property, not currency. This means that if you buy something with a cryptocurrency, or trade one cryptocurrency for another, any resulting gains or losses could be taxable income or capital gain.
You do not have to report each and every transaction (like a retail purchase) in which you used cryptocurrency. Instead, if it was a personal use (not business-related), the calculation is based on the cost basis for the cryptocurrency (when you bought it). This will be adjusted by the fair market value of each coin when you sold it. So no, you don’t need to report all your transactions, but it would be good practice to save documentation of any transaction that was “real” money. The IRS has previously stated that Bitcoin is “intangible property.”
The IRS is still trying to figure out how to deal with cryptocurrencies. For now, it seems the best way to prepare for tax season is to keep track of your crypto transactions and include them in your annual income tax report.
If you didn’t cash out your virtual coins, then the IRS treats them as property rather than currency, so any increase in value is considered a capital gain and must be reported as such.[1] For example, if you bought 1 Bitcoin for $100 and later sold it for $300, you’d have to add $200 of income to your tax return (the amount of money you made from selling the coin). If you bought multiple coins at various prices throughout the year and sold some of them by the end of the year, you’ll have to tally up all of your gains/losses and report them on one line.
To calculate your crypto capital gain or loss, you can use a crypto-currency calculator online. However, the safer and more accurate way to report them is through a professional service like ours.
Given the nature of cryptocurrencies, it is impossible to predict what tax obligations may be imposed on investors or how those obligations will be enforced. It is also unclear if cryptocurrencies will not become subject to regulations that are similar to those imposed on securities. However, there are certain steps that an investor can take to ensure that he or she doesn’t run afoul of the IRS.
Keep good records. If you purchase a cryptocurrency at an exchange, you likely will receive a Form 1099 from the exchange reporting your purchase and the amount you paid (in U.S. dollars). You should keep this form in a safe place along with your other tax documents. Similarly, if you receive any type of virtual currency as payment for goods or services, whether as a business or an individual, you should keep track of the fair market value in U.S. dollars at the time of receipt. This information can come in handy if you need proof of payment to support deductions or credits and when filing your return.
Consult with an accountant or tax attorney. John Warekois CPA, LLC is knowledgeable about cryptocurrencies and their tax implications. We can help you make sure that you correctly report any transactions involving cryptocurrency on your income taxes as well as better prep for the following year. Get in touch with us today to get sorted for the upcoming tax season.
© John A. Warekois CPA
Check the background of your financial professional on FINRA's BrokerCheck.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Some of this material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named representative, broker - dealer, state - or SEC - registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.
We take protecting your data and privacy very seriously. As of January 1, 2020 the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) suggests the following link as an extra measure to safeguard your data: Do not sell my personal information.
Copyright FMG Suite.
Avantax affiliated financial professionals may only conduct business with residents of the states for which they are properly registered. Please note that not all of the investments and services mentioned are available in every state.
Securities offered through Avantax Investment Services℠, Member FINRA, SIPC, Investment advisory services offered through Avantax Advisory Services℠, Insurance services offered through an Avantax affiliated insurance agency.
The Avantax family of companies exclusively provide investment products and services through its representatives. Although Avantax Wealth Management℠ does not provide tax or legal advice, or supervise tax, accounting or legal services, Avantax representatives may offer these services through their independent outside business.
This information is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.
Content, links, and some material within this website may have been created by FMG Suite for use by an Avantax affiliated representative. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not represent the views and opinions of Avantax Wealth Management℠ or its subsidiaries. Avantax Wealth Management℠ is not responsible for and does not control, adopt, or endorse any content contained on any third party website.