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Navigating the New IRS Form 1099-DA for Crypto

In a significant move to enhance transparency and compliance within the digital asset marketplace, the IRS has introduced Form 1099-DA, named "Digital Asset Proceeds from Broker Transactions." This new tax form mandates that certain brokers report transactions involving digital assets such as cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and others.Image 1

The official requirement to file Form 1099-DA begins with the 2025 tax year, with brokers obliged to send these forms to both taxpayers and the IRS in early 2026. Prior to this enforcement, the onus of reporting digital asset transactions was primarily on taxpayers, which frequently caused discrepancies and underreporting issues.

Purpose and Impact of Form 1099-DA: The advent of Form 1099-DA seeks to improve tax compliance and reporting precision within the digital asset realm. By compelling brokers to submit transaction reports, the IRS hopes to standardize reporting practices. This change may streamline tax filing for investors but also requires diligent record-keeping to ensure accuracy.

Who Needs to Issue Form 1099-DA? The term "broker" is broadly defined by the IRS, including digital asset trading platforms, payment processors, and hosted wallet providers. However, decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and non-custodial wallets generally fall outside this remit.Image 2

Who Will Receive Form 1099-DA? U.S. taxpayers participating in the sale, trade, or disposal of digital assets via a qualifying broker should expect to receive this form in early 2026 for their 2025 transactions. This includes those involved in activities such as buying, selling, mining, or staking digital assets. Real estate transactions involving digital assets are also highlighted for reporting.

Contents of Form 1099-DA: This form mandates reporting various transaction details:

  • Payer and recipient identification.
  • Details of the transaction: asset name, quantity, date, and gross proceeds.
  • Cost basis, which is essential for "covered securities" acquired after January 1, 2026, though this is optional for 2025.
  • Holding period, transaction type, and fair market value.
  • Transaction fees and wash sales for tokenized securities.

The specifics reported vary depending on the tax year:

  • 2025 Tax Year: Gross proceeds must be reported, with optional cost basis reporting for brokers.
  • 2026 Tax Year Onwards: Brokers will need to provide comprehensive details, including cost basis, acquisition and disposition dates, and holding periods.
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Addressing the Cost Basis Challenge for 2025: With the optional status of cost basis reporting in 2025, taxpayers may face unexpected tax notices due to underreported income. It's crucial to maintain detailed personal transaction records, such as acquisition dates, costs, fees, and sales proceeds for Forms 8949 and Schedule D completion.

Special Reporting for Stablecoins and NFTs: Specific rules apply to:

  • Qualifying Stablecoins: From 2025, brokers can aggregate transactions for amounts exceeding $10,000 annually.
  • Specified NFTs: Brokers must report if sales exceed $600 for the year, potentially in aggregate.

Utilizing Form 1099-DA for Tax Filing: The information parallels how stock transactions on Form 1099-B integrate into Form 8949 and Schedule D. Taxpayers need to reconcile this with personal records to calculate capital gains or losses accurately.

Strategic Practices for Crypto Investors: In light of these changes, investors should diligently track all digital asset transactions, consider using crypto tax software, and keep informed about broker reporting limitations. Consulting a tax professional can significantly aid in navigating these developments.

Responding to the IRS Digital Asset Query: The Form 1040 query about the disposal or receipt of digital assets will now be cross-verifiable with Form 1099-DA data. It is crucial to respond accurately, as any misinformation can have legal implications.

For expert guidance in correctly reporting your crypto transactions, reach out to our office for assistance.

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