Stay Ahead: Understanding the New IRS Form 1099-DA for Crypto Reporting

The IRS is introducing a key tax form, Form 1099-DA, titled "Digital Asset Proceeds from Broker Transactions," aiming to bring more transparency and consistency to reporting digital asset transactions.Image 1

Set to take effect for the 2025 tax year, the form requires certain brokers to report transactions involving cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other digital assets both to taxpayers and the IRS by early 2026. Prior to this implementation, such reporting was mostly self-declared, often resulting in inconsistent and under-reported data.

Significance and Implementation of Form 1099-DA: This new requirement is poised to enhance tax compliance and ensure accurate transaction reporting in the digital asset sector. While it could simplify tax documentation for some investors, it necessitates meticulous record-keeping to avoid errors.Image 2

Issuers of Form 1099-DA: The duty to issue this form lies with "brokers" as defined by the IRS, which includes digital asset exchanges, payment platforms, and providers of hosted wallets. However, DeFi platforms and non-custodial wallets are generally exempt from this requirement.

Recipients of Form 1099-DA: U.S. taxpayers engaged in buying, selling, trading, mining, or staking digital assets through applicable brokers can expect to receive this form in early 2026 for the 2025 tax period. This requirement extends to those involved in real estate transactions utilizing digital assets.

Information Required on Form 1099-DA: Brokers must provide detailed transaction information:

  • Identities of payer and recipient.
  • Transaction details such as asset name, quantity, date, time, and gross proceeds.
  • Cost basis, mandatory for "covered securities" obtained post-2026; optional for 2025.
  • Holding periods.
  • Transaction types.
  • Fair Market Value (FMV).
  • Transaction fees.
  • Tokenized securities wash sales.

The degree of information reported will expand over the years:

  • 2025 Tax Year: Reporting will focus on gross proceeds. Cost basis reporting remains voluntary.
  • 2026 Tax Year onwards: Comprehensive details including cost basis, transaction dates, holding periods, and detailed asset types must be reported.

Cost Basis Reporting for 2025: In 2025, without reported cost basis, the IRS might consider it zero, potentially triggering tax notices for omitted income. Taxpayers should maintain comprehensive records of their digital asset dealings to accurately complete Forms 8949 and Schedule D.Image 3

Special Reporting for Stablecoins and NFTs:

  • Stablecoins: Transactions exceeding $10,000 annually for 2025 and beyond may be reported in total by brokers.
  • NFTs: When total sales of specific NFTs surpass $600 per year from 2025 onward, brokers must aggregate and report the data.

Utilization of Form 1099-DA for Tax Filing: Similar to Form 1099-B, details from Form 1099-DA should be reconciled with personal records to determine capital gains or losses, which are then reported on Form 1040.

Key Steps for Crypto Investors: To navigate these changes, crypto investors should diligently document all transactions, consider utilizing crypto tax software for analysis, and remain vigilant about reporting requirements. Transactions unreported on 1099-DA still need to be included in tax filings. Professional consultation is recommended for adapting to these changes efficiently.

IRS Digital Asset Question: Taxpayers must accurately answer the IRS’s digital asset transaction inquiry on Form 1040, now cross-verifiable through Form 1099-DA, underscoring the importance of precision under penalty of perjury.

For expert guidance on including crypto transactions in your tax return, do not hesitate to contact us.

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