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Crypto Tax

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EDUCATION: Do I need to pay Tax on Crypto?

Do you pay taxes on cryptocurrency? Indeed, taxes are applicable to cryptocurrency transactions in the United States. The tax obligations are bifurcated into capital gains tax, which comes into play when you sell or dispose of cryptocurrency, and income tax, which applies to your earnings from cryptocurrency-related activities.

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How much is cryptocurrency taxed? The extent of taxation on cryptocurrency hinges on your personal income tax bracket and the duration you've held the crypto. Should you have retained it for less than a year, the tax rate falls within the 10-37% range. Conversely, if your holding period surpasses one year, the tax rate lies between 0-20%. These percentages are contingent upon individual financial circumstances.

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How do crypto tax brackets work? The United States employs a progressive tax system for income, including cryptocurrency income. This implies that different segments of your income are subject to varying tax rates as you progress through different income brackets.

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When do you owe taxes on your crypto? Tax liabilities arise when you either earn or dispose of cryptocurrency. Earning encompasses activities such as mining, airdrops, and staking, while disposing includes actions like selling, trading, or utilizing cryptocurrency for transactions.

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Can the IRS track your cryptocurrency? Despite the somewhat anonymous nature of cryptocurrencies, the IRS has mechanisms to trace them. Major exchanges like Coinbase furnish the IRS with information through 1099 forms, enabling the connection of 'anonymous' wallets to specific individuals. The 2021 infrastructure bill has augmented reporting requirements for American exchanges, enhancing the IRS's ability to monitor cryptocurrency transactions.

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What happens if you don't report your crypto taxes? Failure to report cryptocurrency taxes can result in penalties imposed by the IRS. These penalties encompass criminal prosecution, potential imprisonment for up to five years, and fines reaching a maximum of $250,000. With the IRS intensifying its focus on cryptocurrency tax compliance, audits and prosecutions are anticipated to escalate.

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How to lower your crypto taxes? While total evasion of cryptocurrency taxes is impossible, several legal strategies exist to minimize tax liabilities:

  1. Long-Term Holding: Retain your cryptocurrency for an extended period to benefit from lower tax rates on capital gains.

  2. Tax-Loss Harvesting: Offset losses against gains to reduce overall tax obligations.

  3. Cryptocurrency in an IRA: Consider holding cryptocurrency in a self-directed Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for potential tax advantages.

  4. Crypto Donations: Contribute cryptocurrency to eligible charities for both positive impact and tax benefits.

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When do you need to report your crypto taxes? For the 2023 tax year, the deadline for American taxpayers is April 15, 2024, while expatriates have until June 15, 2024.

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How to calculate your cryptocurrency capital gains and losses: Understanding the calculation involves considering three key elements:

  • Proceeds: The value received when disposing of your cryptocurrency.

  • Cost Basis: The total amount spent to acquire your cryptocurrency.

  • Gain or Loss: The difference between proceeds and cost basis determines your overall gain or loss.

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How is different crypto activity taxed?

  • Buying Cryptocurrency: Tax-free at the time of purchase, but meticulous record-keeping is essential for future calculations.

  • Holding Cryptocurrency: No tax is levied until the cryptocurrency is sold or disposed of.

  • Transferring Between Wallets: Generally tax-free when transferring between wallets you own.

  • Selling, Trading, or Spending Cryptocurrency: Subject to capital gains tax.

  • Crypto-to-Crypto Trades: Also subject to capital gains tax.

  • Crypto Gifts: Generally tax-free unless the value exceeds $16,000.

  • Crypto Donations: Potentially tax-deductible.

  • Crypto Interest: Considered income and subject to tax.

  • Mining and Staking: Rewards are considered income and subject to tax.

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How are stablecoins, NFTs, and DeFi taxed?

  • Stablecoins: Taxed similarly to other cryptocurrencies; subject to capital gains or losses upon disposition.

  • NFTs: Treated as property; capital gains or losses apply when you dispose of them.

  • DeFi: Follows general cryptocurrency tax rules; profits are categorized as capital gains, while earned cryptocurrency is considered income.

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