Cryptocurrencies and taxation in the United States

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Cryptocurrencies and taxation in the United States

Cryptocurrencies and taxation in the United States

2025-12-26

The rise of cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, etc.) has created new challenges for the IRS (Internal Revenue Service), as these technologies allow for: anonymous or decentralized transactions, new forms of investment (staking, yield farming, NFTs), and the generation of income that is difficult to trace.

Since 2014, the IRS has considered cryptocurrencies as property, not currency, which means that all transactions are potentially subject to capital gains tax.


What crypto activities are subject to taxation?

The following actions are taxable (and must be reported):

  • Selling crypto for USD or other fiat currency → capital gain/loss
  • Using crypto to pay for goods or services
  • Trading between cryptocurrencies (e.g., BTC → ETH)
  • Mining and staking → ordinary income
  • Airdrops or rewards → taxable income

IRS and oversight: from ambiguity to control

In recent years, the IRS has aggressively increased its oversight: in 2020, it added a question about crypto to Form 1040, is sending warning letters to exchange users, has collaborated with Coinbase and Kraken to obtain user data, and starting this year (2025), Form 1099-DA is mandatory for platforms that operate as crypto brokers, which will facilitate tracking and reporting.


Legal and Technical Challenges

  • Lack of clarity in definitions: staking, DeFi, and NFTs are still in gray areas.
  • Volatility: sharp changes in value complicate profit calculations.
  • Issues with cold wallets or self-custody: the IRS cannot easily track these transactions, but they are still legally taxable.

The Risk of Non-Reporting

  • Fines, interest, and civil/criminal penalties.
  • The IRS has announced that it will treat crypto tax evasion as a compliance priority.

Current Debate

For clear tax regulation: greater legitimacy of the crypto ecosystem and protection of taxpayers and the government. Against: risk of stifling blockchain innovation and regulatory overload in a decentralized ecosystem.


Where are we headed?

Greater legal clarity is expected in the coming years (regulation of staking, DeFi, stablecoins). Possible integration with automated reporting systems and more international cooperation among tax authorities are also anticipated.

In the end, cryptocurrency taxation in the US is in a consolidation phase. While the IRS intensifies its oversight, many taxpayers still face legal loopholes, a lack of tax education, and difficulties in complying. Striking a balance between fair regulation and fostering innovation will be key to the future of the crypto ecosystem in the country.