For crypto enthusiasts, crypto taxation is not the most thrilling aspect of investing in cryptocurrency, however, understanding how the taxation of digital currencies works is crucial. Despite their recent emergence, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is diligently working to ensure compliance with crypto tax regulations. There are several scenarios in which you might find yourself liable to pay taxes on your crypto holdings, including exchanging one cryptocurrency for another, which is considered a taxable event.
Profits derived from other digital assets, like non-fungible tokens (NFTs), are also subject to taxation. Failing to maintain accurate records can complicate the process of assessing your profit and loss during tax season. Furthermore, even an unintentional failure to pay crypto taxes can result in substantial penalties.
A capital gain refers to the earnings obtained by selling an asset at a higher price than its original cost. Assets subject to capital gains taxes encompass a wide range, including real estate, businesses, vehicles, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and various investment vehicles.
Selling any of these assets can result in a taxable event, necessitating the reporting of your gains to the IRS. Similar regulations apply to cryptocurrencies. According to the IRS, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and other digital currencies are classified as assets for tax purposes.
Not all gains in cryptocurrency originate from trading and capital appreciation, which means there is an entirely different realm of crypto taxes you need to keep in mind. You may find yourself earning digital coins through gaming endeavors or stumble upon them unexpectedly in your wallet. Such profits are subjected to taxation as ordinary income, falling into the same category as wages earned from a conventional job. Regarding crypto income, its tax as regular income is determined based on its fair market value at the time of receipt by the taxpayer. Below are the most prevalent instances that qualify as crypto income:
Taxation principles for cryptocurrencies resemble those of stocks, as they are considered property rather than currency for tax purposes. Regrettably, this classification implies that most crypto transactions result in what we call a taxable event.
A taxable event signifies an occurrence that necessitates reporting. Since Bitcoin and other digital currencies are considered property from a tax standpoint, individuals may be subject to two possible taxes – Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax. The specific type of cryptocurrency tax applicable to you depends on the nature of your crypto transactions.
Short-term capital gains and crypto income can be subject to taxes of up to 37%, while long-term capital gains may incur taxes ranging from 0% to 20%. However, NFTs classified as collectibles might face a higher tax rate of 28%. The tax amount applicable to your cryptocurrency activities in the United States is determined by factors such as your earnings, the nature of the transaction, and the duration of asset ownership.
When you retain ownership of a digital asset for one year or less, any earnings generated from it will fall under the category of short-term capital gains. These gains are subject to taxation at the same rate as your ordinary income, which is determined based on your total earnings.
When you maintain cryptocurrency ownership for a duration exceeding one year, any earnings you generate will be subject to the favorable long-term capital gains rate. The specific rate applicable to you is still contingent on your overall income. Generally, long-term capital gains rates are lower compared to those for short-term gains. As stated in the cryptocurrency tax FAQs provided by the IRS, the holding period commences the day following the asset’s receipt. The asset’s cost basis is calculated by adding its purchase price to any relevant fees incurred.
Simply owning cryptocurrencies does not automatically incur taxes; you are not obliged to pay taxes solely for holding them. However, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) classifies cryptocurrencies as property for tax considerations, which entails the following:
Taxation on cryptocurrency follows the same rates as other forms of capital gains. Regarding businesses, the capital gains tax rates align with the standard corporate income tax rate. However, as is often the case in income taxation, things can become intricate. Reporting capital gains tax on cryptocurrency depends on factors such as the type of business entity and whether the gains are categorized as short-term or long-term. The taxable events that trigger capital gains include:
If you are a cryptocurrency investor who has made multiple purchases over time, each of your purchases constitutes a separate lot. When the time comes to sell, the profits or losses incurred will be contingent upon the specific lot you sell. Various accounting methods exist to determine the measurement of gains, namely FIFO, LIFO, and HIFO. Here’s an explanation of what these acronyms represent:
Employing different accounting methods can significantly reduce your tax obligations. The most suitable accounting approach may vary depending on prevailing market conditions.
You have tax obligations related to cryptocurrencies if you spend them, and their value has appreciated since your acquisition. Here are the various types of taxable events that apply to cryptocurrency transactions:
However, these events are only taxable if the value of your crypto has indeed increased. To determine whether you owe crypto taxes, consider the cost basis, which refers to the total amount you paid to acquire the crypto. Then, you compare this with the sales price or proceeds when you utilize the crypto. Let’s assume you had previously bought one Bitcoin for $20,000. Here are some examples of taxable events:
Trading between different cryptocurrencies adds complexity to crypto taxes. Each crypto trade is considered a taxable event. When you exchange one cryptocurrency for another, you must report any gains in U.S. dollars on your tax return. Keeping track of the profits or losses in U.S. dollars every time you engage in crypto trades is vital. This way, you can accurately report your crypto gains or losses.
Alternatively, investing in cryptocurrency stocks could simplify tracking profits and losses compared to buying and selling individual coins. NFT taxes operate in the same manner as crypto taxes. If you realize a profit from selling an NFT, you are required to pay taxes on those gains. It is worth noting that if you mint an NFT and pay a gas fee in cryptocurrency, this is considered a purchase of service using your crypto, making it a taxable event. If the value of the cryptocurrency you used for the gas fee has increased since your acquisition of it, you would owe taxes on the gains made.
There are several events involving cryptocurrency that are subject to taxation:
These events can trigger tax obligations and should be considered when managing your cryptocurrency activities.
One major question people ask is, “What happens if you end up selling your cryptocurrency for a price lower than its initial purchase price?” Similar to other investments, if you sell your crypto at a loss, meaning its value has decreased by the time of sale, trade, or expenditure, you can claim a capital loss.
Losses aren’t entirely negative, as they can help lower your overall tax liability by offsetting other sources of income. For instance, if you profit from one cryptocurrency transaction but incur losses in other trades, you can utilize those losses to offset your gains within the limitations established by the IRS. Additionally, there are different strategies you can employ to minimize your tax burden.
One such strategy is tax-loss harvesting, where you intentionally sell a portion of your crypto at a loss to offset the gains you’ve obtained from other sales. By implementing this approach, you can leverage your losses to counterbalance the profits made from other cryptocurrencies or stocks, thereby reducing the amount of taxes you owe.
There are certain situations where you won’t be liable to pay taxes on your cryptocurrency:
The tax rate for your cryptocurrency varies depending on whether you held the assets for short-term or long-term capital gains. Here is a breakdown based on different income levels to help you determine your crypto tax bracket and rate for the 2023 tax year (applicable to U.S. taxpayers).
Tax rate
Single filer
Married filing jointly
Married filing separately
Head of household
10%
Up to $11,000
Up to $22,000
Up to $15,700
12%
$11,000 to $44,725
$22,000 to $89,450
$11,000 to
$44,725
$15,700 to $59,850
22%
$44,725 to $95,375
$89,450 to $190,750
$44,725 to
$95,375
$59,850 to $95,350
24%
$95,375 to $182,100
$190,750 to $364,200
$95,350 to $182,100
32%
$182,100 to $231,250
$364,200 to $462,500
35%
$231,250 to $578,125
$462,500 to $693,750
$231,250 to $346,875
$231,250 to $578,100
37%
More than $578,125
More than $693,750
More than
$346,875
More than $578,100
Currently, the IRS considers cryptocurrency to be an asset rather than cash, meaning that profits from crypto sales are categorized as capital gains rather than income. The tax implications of capital gains depend on how long you held the asset before selling it. Expatriates who have owned their cryptocurrency for less than a year before selling it may be subject to short-term capital gains tax.
In the United States, short-term capital gains are taxed based on your regular income tax bracket. Therefore, if you find yourself in a higher tax bracket, even after taking advantage of all the available tax benefits for U.S. citizens living abroad, your cryptocurrency gains could potentially be subject to a significant tax rate of up to 37%, which can be pretty substantial.
By holding onto your cryptocurrencies for more than a year before selling them, you can reduce your tax obligations, even if you reside outside your home country. Unlike capital gains from cryptocurrency, which are typically taxed according to your regular tax bracket, long-term capital gains tax follows a graduated scale that is adjusted periodically.
For instance, in 2022, the maximum tax rate for long-term capital gains from cryptocurrency was 20%. The tax rate may range from 0% to 15%, depending on your income and filing status. However, you must hold the assets for over a year to qualify for long-term capital gains tax treatment on your cryptocurrency gains. This can be challenging, remarkably, if market trends suggest it may be advantageous to cash out or exchange for another cryptocurrency.
It is essential to consult with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who specializes in assisting American expatriates, as they can guide the best course of action to minimize your tax liability on crypto gains.
When you itemize your portfolio, you can donate cryptocurrency to eligible charitable organizations and benefit from a tax deduction. Generally, you can deduct the fair market value of your cryptocurrency at the time of the donation, and you are not required to pay capital gains taxes on the donated amount.
Cryptocurrency donations to charities are considered non-cash contributions. If you plan to claim a deduction of $250 or more for the virtual currency donation, obtaining a written acknowledgment from the charitable organization to document your contribution is advisable. This acknowledgment can assist you in complying with the requirements for claiming the deduction.
To minimize your tax obligations, there are several strategies you can employ, and understanding the distinction between long-term and short-term capital gains is just one of them. Here are some popular approaches to consider:
By incorporating these strategies into your tax planning, you can work towards reducing your overall tax burden and maximizing your financial gains.
Mining cryptocurrency comes with its own set of rules. Miners play a crucial role in verifying and adding transactions to the blockchain, earning rewards in cryptocurrency for their efforts. However, the tax treatment of these rewards differs depending on the circumstances.
For individual miners, the compensation they receive is considered ordinary income and subject to taxation. This means they must report it as part of their overall income. However, if mining is conducted as part of a business enterprise, the rewards are treated as business income. In such cases, miners can deduct eligible expenses incurred during their mining operations, including costs associated with mining hardware and electricity.
Miners must understand the distinction between personal mining activities and mining conducted as a business. By accurately reporting their earnings and expenses, miners can ensure compliance with tax regulations while optimizing their tax situation within the guidelines provided.
Engaging in decentralized finance (DeFi) introduces various intricate tax considerations. While earning interest on DeFi loans may appear straightforward, the specific tax implications hinge upon the DeFi platforms’ intricacies. This is why understanding the structure and operations of the particular DeFi platform(s) you use is crucial.
For instance, receiving protocol tokens or placeholder tokens in exchange for Ethereum (ETH) can be deemed a taxable event, falling under the category of a crypto-to-crypto swap. Each transaction within the DeFi ecosystem must be carefully evaluated to determine its tax implications and ensure compliance with applicable regulations. It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional or advisor specializing in cryptocurrency taxation to navigate the complexities of DeFi taxation effectively.
The IRS treats cryptocurrencies differently from traditional fiat currencies such as the US dollar or the Euro. Instead, cryptocurrencies are classified as digital assets. As a result, they are subject to capital gains taxation, similar to other capital assets like stocks, real estate, and bonds. Any cryptocurrency trading you have engaged in during the previous year must be disclosed on your tax return. Failure to do so can lead to civil and criminal consequences for not reporting capital gains.
Some individuals have believed that the anonymous and decentralized nature of blockchains would shield their crypto transactions from government scrutiny. However, numerous IRS audits and prosecutions have demonstrated that this is not the case. Blockchains function as decentralized public ledgers that anyone can access. All trading activities can be traced and identified once a digital wallet’s address is linked to an individual or business.
It’s essential to understand that cryptocurrency trades are not hidden from the government, and compliance with tax reporting obligations is necessary to avoid potential legal repercussions.
Navigating crypto taxes can be perplexing, and ensuring accurate reporting and payment of the required taxes is crucial. The IRS categorizes cryptocurrency as a digital asset or property, meaning that it triggers a taxable event whenever you sell or exchange it. This even includes using crypto to purchase goods or services.
In most situations, cryptocurrencies are subject to capital gains taxes, either as long-term or short-term gains. However, there are instances where crypto is treated as income. It’s essential to diligently track all crypto transactions to avoid unpleasant surprises when tax season arrives.