Upcoming 1099-DA Form: Crypto Tax Compliance Insights

The introduction of the IRS Form 1099-DA, titled “Digital Asset Proceeds from Broker Transactions,” marks a pivotal shift in the realm of digital asset taxation. This new form is poised to enhance transparency and compliance, compelling brokers to report transactions involving digital assets such as cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Image 3

The official reporting requirements for the 1099-DA form commence with the 2025 tax year. Brokers will dispatch these forms to both taxpayers and the IRS in early 2026. Previously, taxpayers relied heavily on self-reported data, which often resulted in inconsistencies and underreporting.

The Objective and Influence of Form 1099-DA: The primary goal of Form 1099-DA is to bolster tax compliance and improve reporting accuracy within the digital asset sector. By mandating brokers to document transactions, it standardizes reporting protocols, streamlining tax filing for investors. Nonetheless, this advancement requires detailed record-keeping to ensure precision.

Obligation to Issue Form 1099-DA: The duty to deliver Form 1099-DA rests with "brokers," defined broadly by the IRS to include digital asset trading platforms, payment processors, and hosted wallet providers. Decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and non-custodial wallets generally fall outside this requirement.

Receiving Form 1099-DA: U.S. taxpayers engaging in selling, trading, or disposing of digital assets via qualifying brokers will receive a Form 1099-DA in early 2026, covering transactions from 2025. This requirement encompasses individuals and businesses involved in various digital asset activities, including real estate transactions using digital assets. Image 2

Details Captured in Form 1099-DA: Brokers must report specific transaction details on Form 1099-DA, including:

  • Payer and recipient identification.

  • Transaction specifics such as asset name, quantity, date, time, and gross proceeds.

  • Mandatory cost basis reporting for “covered securities” acquired post-January 1, 2026; voluntary for brokers in 2025.

  • Holding period.

  • Transaction type.

  • Fair market value (FMV).

  • Transaction fees.

  • Consideration of wash sales for tokenized securities.

Form 1099-DA details will evolve over tax years to encompass comprehensive transaction reporting.

  • 2025 Tax Year (forms issued in early 2026) - Brokers must report gross proceeds, with optional cost basis reporting.

  • 2026 Tax Year onwards (forms issued in early 2027 and beyond) - Requires comprehensive reporting including gross proceeds, cost basis, acquisition and disposition dates, and more.

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The 2025 Cost Basis Reporting Challenge: A critical point for the 2025 tax year is the voluntary nature of cost basis reporting. Brokers who do not report cost basis might lead the IRS to presume a zero, potentially inviting tax notices for underreported income. To counter this, taxpayers must meticulously log personal transaction records, including dates, costs, fees, and proceeds, crucial for completing Forms 8949 and Schedule D.

Specific Rules for Stablecoins and NFTs:

  • Qualifying Stablecoins: For 2025 and beyond, brokers can aggregate reporting for transactions exceeding $10,000 annually.

  • Specified NFTs: Starting in 2025, total NFT sales over $600 for the year require broker reporting.

Utilizing Form 1099-DA for Tax Reporting: The data on Form 1099-DA assists in tax preparation, similar to stock transactions on Form 1099-B, contributing to Forms 8949 and Schedule D. This involves reconciling Form 1099-DA with personal records to compute accurate capital gains or losses declared on Form 1040.

Crypto Investors’ Best Practices: As these regulations take effect, it is imperative for digital asset investors to uphold thorough records of all transactions. Utilizing crypto tax software for tracking and calculations may be advantageous. Investors must remain vigilant regarding broker reporting, especially the 2025 cost basis reporting. Non-reported transactions should also be meticulously documented and included in tax reporting. Continuous education and consulting a tax professional can aid in navigating these changes seamlessly. Image 1

Responding to the IRS Digital Assets Inquiry: Recent years have seen a significant IRS focus on digital assets, with a direct question on Form 1040 regarding receipt, sale, exchange, or other disposal of digital assets. The inclusion of 1099-DA forms by brokers will enable the IRS to reconcile taxpayer responses with filed Form 1099-DA data, underscoring the importance of accuracy when answering such queries. Taxpayers must take care to provide truthful responses to evade penalties.

We invite you to consult our office for any questions or support in accurately including your cryptocurrency transactions in your tax returns. Moore Accounting Experts LLC is here to guide you through these complexities with expert advice and clarity.

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