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Get Ready: New 1099-DA Form for Crypto Reporting

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has introduced a new tax form, Form 1099-DA, "Digital Asset Proceeds from Broker Transactions," to bolster transparency in the evolving digital asset marketplace. This form mandates that specific brokers report digital asset transactions such as those involving cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other digital assets.

The reporting requirements for Form 1099-DA are set to take effect for the 2025 tax year, with brokers distributing these forms to taxpayers and the IRS in early 2026. Previously reliant on self-reported data, the new form aims to address issues of inconsistency and underreporting.

The Purpose and Impact of Form 1099-DA: Form 1099-DA standardizes reporting, aiding compliance and accuracy in the digital asset realm. It may simplify tax filing for some investors, yet necessitates meticulous record-keeping for accurate reporting.

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Who Must Issue Form 1099-DA? The requirement is directed towards "brokers" facilitating digital asset sales or exchanges. This includes trading platforms, payment processors, and hosted wallet services, whereas decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and non-custodial wallets are generally exempt.

Recipients of Form 1099-DA: U.S. taxpayers involved in digital asset transactions through a qualifying broker should expect Form 1099-DA by early 2026, covering activities such as trading, mining, and staking. Additionally, real estate entities transacting with digital assets must report accordingly.

Contents of Form 1099-DA: The form captures detailed information on each digital asset transaction, including:

  • Payer and Recipient Identification

  • Transaction specifics: asset name, quantity, date, time, and gross proceeds

  • Cost basis (compulsory for "covered securities" acquired post-January 1, 2026); for 2025, it's optional

  • Holding period

  • Transaction type

  • Fair Market Value (FMV)

  • Transaction fees

  • Wash sales involving tokenized securities

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The information requirements evolve with each tax year. During the 2025 tax year, brokers need only report gross proceeds; however, in 2026, they must provide comprehensive details, including cost basis, asset type, and transaction specifics.

Understanding the Cost Basis Challenge for 2025: The voluntary nature of cost basis reporting in 2025 can lead the IRS to assume a zero basis, raising potential tax liabilities. Accurate personal records of digital asset transactions are critical for taxpayers to sidestep tax assessments for unreported income.

Specific Rules for Stablecoins and NFTs:

  • Qualifying Stablecoins: Post-2025, brokers may report these transactions in aggregate if they exceed $10,000 annually.

  • Specified NFTs: Starting 2025, NFT sales over $600 annually require reporting, potentially aggregated.

Utilization of Form 1099-DA for Tax Filing: Similar to stock transactions on Form 1099-B, Form 1099-DA’s data aids in preparing tax returns by facilitating the reporting of capital gains or losses on Forms 8949 and Schedule D.

Best Practices for Crypto Investors: With these changes, maintaining detailed transactional records is paramount. Leveraging crypto tax software might streamline tracking and calculations, particularly where broker reporting inconsistencies arise.

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IRS Digital Asset Reporting: Form 1040 now includes a question on digital asset activities. With brokers providing Form 1099-DA, the IRS can better verify taxpayer responses, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting. When signing, the return attests to declared information's accuracy.

For guidance on including crypto transactions in your return, contact our office. Our experienced team, based in Maitland, Florida, serves the greater Orlando area, providing expert tax and accounting services, especially for small businesses.

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