Crypto Tax Alert: New Insights into Form 1099-DA

Introducing Form 1099-DA, a pivotal IRS document titled "Digital Asset Proceeds from Broker Transactions." This form marks a significant shift in tax reporting as brokers will now disclose detailed digital asset transactions, enhancing transparency in the sector. Cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and similar digital assets fall under its purview, aligning with IRS efforts to standardize digital asset reporting.

The requirement to utilize Form 1099-DA begins with the 2025 tax year, with brokers disseminating these forms by early 2026. Until now, digital asset reporting largely relied on self-disclosure, often resulting in discrepancies and underreported income.

Understanding Form 1099-DA's Influence: This form aims to bolster tax compliance and amplify reporting accuracy in the digital asset domain. By standardizing broker transactions reporting, it not only streamlines tax filing for investors but also emphasizes the necessity of meticulous record-keeping to ensure accurate filings.

Image 1

Who Needs to Issue Form 1099-DA? The mandate to issue Form 1099-DA is set on "brokers" facilitating digital asset trades. This broad IRS definition encompasses digital trading platforms, payment processors, and hosted wallet providers. However, it notably excludes most DeFi platforms and non-custodial wallets.

Eligible Recipients: U.S. taxpayers engaging in digital asset sales, trades, or disposals through qualifying brokers should prepare to receive Form 1099-DA by early 2026, applicable to 2025 activities. This encompasses individuals, businesses, digital asset miners, and stakeholders in digital transactions involving real estate.

Image 2

Form 1099-DA's Contents: Brokers must report comprehensive details for each digital transaction including:

  • Payer and Recipient Identifications.
  • Transaction specifics such as asset name, quantity, date, time, and gross proceeds.
  • Cost basis (mandatory for "covered securities" from January 1, 2026). While voluntary for 2025, it is crucial for accurate reporting.
  • Details on holding periods, transaction types, fair market value (FMV), transaction fees, and wash sales for tokenized securities.

Virtual AI
If you’re ready to get a handle on your tax situation, reach out and we’ll guide you through each step.
Let’s Sort This Out

Variations in the level of detail required hinge on the tax year:

  • 2025: Only gross proceeds from sales, exchanges, or disposals must be reported. Cost basis details are voluntary.
  • 2026 and Beyond: Comprehensive information including cost basis becomes mandatory, reinforcing detailed file-keeping by both brokers and taxpayers to avert discrepancies.

Navigating Cost Basis in 2025: An essential aspect for 2025 is brokers' optional reporting of cost basis. If not reported, the IRS might assume it's zero, which could lead taxpayers to receive notices for underreporting income. Taxpayers should maintain diligent records of all digital asset data to ensure accuracy in Forms 8949 and Schedule D.

Image 3

Special Reporting for Stablecoins and NFTs: Digital assets have distinct reporting standards:

  • Stablecoins: From 2025, these can be reported in aggregate if exceeding $10,000 annually.
  • Specified NFTs: Beginning 2025, total sales exceeding $600 annually demand reporting, potentially in aggregate forms.

Utilizing 1099-DA for Your Tax Filing: Information on Form 1099-DA integrates into tax returns similarly to stocks reported on Form 1099-B. Synchronizing this data with personal records is crucial for asserting accurate capital gains or losses on Form 1040.

Tips for Crypto Investors: With these updates, maintaining precise transaction records is vital. Utilizing crypto tax software and staying informed, as well as consulting tax professionals, helps navigate these evolving regulations. Remember, even without a 1099-DA, transactions must still be reported.

We can guide you step by step, ensuring confident and transparent compliance. Reach out for personalized advice or for assistance in accurately reporting your crypto activities. We’re here to help you navigate these changes smoothly.

Virtual AI
If you’re ready to get a handle on your tax situation, reach out and we’ll guide you through each step.
Let’s Sort This Out
Share this article...

Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .