A guide to paying taxes on cryptocurrency investments
Bitcoin transactions of all types are subject to tax, including using Bitcoin purchased from another party to buy goods. In fact, anytime you purchase Bitcoin, including at a cryptocurrency exchange, you are required to pay capital gain taxes on the transaction.
Author:Gordon DickersonReviewer:James PierceJun 04, 2021150.7K Shares2.1M Views
Do You Have To Pay Taxes On Bitcoin Transactions?
Yes. The IRS requires all Bitcoin transactions to be reported by taxpayers, no matter the value.
It also warns that individuals that incorrectly report Bitcoin income on their taxes could be fined or even prosecuted. Hence, it is also mandatory that you keep an account of all transactions associated with your Bitcoin for accurate reporting.
What Types Of Bitcoin Transactions Are Taxed?
Bitcoin transactions of all types are subject to tax, including using Bitcoin purchased from another party to buy goods. In fact, anytime you purchase Bitcoin, including at a cryptocurrency exchange, you are required to pay capital gain taxes on the transaction.
Likewise, if you sell a Bitcoin to another party that you have mined yourself, the capital gains are also taxed. Bitcoins mined to buy services and goods are also taxed.
You must also pay capital gains tax on purchases made using Bitcoin withdrawn from an exchange to your personal wallet.
Do I Have To Pay Taxes If I Am A Bitcoin Miner?
Yes. Bitcoin miners have to pay taxes; however, they are only taxed on the fair market value of the coin when it was mined.
They can also make deductions to their tax bill for equipment and resources used in mining, provided it wasn't for individual or personal gain.
Do I Have To Pay Taxes When I Convert From One Cryptocurrency To Another?
Converting one crypto to another is considered a like-kind transfer, which is taxable; therefore, you do have to pay taxes on the transaction; however, the IRS also allows you to defer income tax when doing so.
What Are The Tax Implications Of Donating, Gifting, Or Inheriting Cryptocurrencies?
Cryptocurrency donations are treated similarly to cash donations in that they are also tax-deductible, but only for the fair market value of the currency at the time it was donated. The donor also does not have to pay capital tax gains.
Inherited cryptocurrency, on the other hand, is treated the same as other assets; hence the same estate regulations apply.
Lastly, cryptocurrency gifts less than $1500 are not subject to income taxes; however, any gifts valued above that are taxed on the fair market value when the inheritor sells them.
Paying Tax On Cryptocurrency Investment Gains
Cryptocurrency as in investment is considered an asset like a second property; therefore, individuals are required to pay capital gains tax when they sell it.
Day trading cryptocurrencies in a fiat-crypto or crypto-crypto manner is also subject to taxes.
However, you only need to pay capital gains tax on gains worth more than £12000 ($16000) during a tax year.
In the end, when trading or investing in cryptocurrency, it is important to maintain accurate tax records to avoid IRS penalties. However, according to the experts at SoFi, "Unfortunately, the IRS doesn't exactly make it easy to understand how to calculate crypto investors' tax liability."
For this reason, you may consider crypto taxes by SoFi, which helps you keep track of your crypto holdings and manage your tax liabilities to help simplify the process and save time and frustration.
Jump to
Do You Have To Pay Taxes On Bitcoin Transactions?
What Types Of Bitcoin Transactions Are Taxed?
Do I Have To Pay Taxes If I Am A Bitcoin Miner?
Do I Have To Pay Taxes When I Convert From One Cryptocurrency To Another?
What Are The Tax Implications Of Donating, Gifting, Or Inheriting Cryptocurrencies?
Paying Tax On Cryptocurrency Investment Gains
Gordon Dickerson
Author
Gordon Dickerson, a visionary in Crypto, NFT, and Web3, brings over 10 years of expertise in blockchain technology.
With a Bachelor's in Computer Science from MIT and a Master's from Stanford, Gordon's strategic leadership has been instrumental in shaping global blockchain adoption. His commitment to inclusivity fosters a diverse ecosystem.
In his spare time, Gordon enjoys gourmet cooking, cycling, stargazing as an amateur astronomer, and exploring non-fiction literature.
His blend of expertise, credibility, and genuine passion for innovation makes him a trusted authority in decentralized technologies, driving impactful change with a personal touch.
James Pierce
Reviewer
James Pierce, a Finance and Crypto expert, brings over 15 years of experience to his writing. With a Master's degree in Finance from Harvard University, James's insightful articles and research papers have earned him recognition in the industry.
His expertise spans financial markets and digital currencies, making him a trusted source for analysis and commentary. James seamlessly integrates his passion for travel into his work, providing readers with a unique perspective on global finance and the digital economy.
Outside of writing, James enjoys photography, hiking, and exploring local cuisines during his travels.
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