Prepare for Comprehensive Crypto Tax Reporting with Form 1099-DA

As the landscape of digital assets continues to grow, staying informed about tax reporting requirements becomes crucial. Introducing Form 1099-DA, the IRS’s newest tool for bringing clarity and accuracy to reporting in the digital asset market. This form focuses on transactions involving cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other digital assets, helping ensure tax compliance in this dynamic sector.

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The reporting mandate kicks in for the 2025 tax year, with brokers distributing these forms to taxpayers and the IRS in early 2026. Previously, digital asset transaction reporting relied heavily on self-reporting, leading to discrepancies. Form 1099-DA standardizes reporting, aiming to reduce such issues.

Objective and Implications of Form 1099-DA: By requiring brokers to report transaction details, Form 1099-DA enhances tax compliance and streamlines reporting. It places the onus on brokers and taxpayers to maintain precise records for clear and complete tax filings.

Brokers Obligated to Issue Form 1099-DA: Under IRS guidelines, "brokers"—including digital asset exchanges, payment processors, and hosted wallet providers—must report qualifying activities. Notably, decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and non-custodial wallets generally fall outside this requirement.

Recipients of Form 1099-DA: U.S. taxpayers engaging with digital assets through designated brokers will receive Form 1099-DA for 2025 transactions. This applies to both individuals and businesses involved in the buying, selling, trading, mining, or staking of digital assets. Even real estate transactions utilizing digital assets must adhere to reporting rules.

Key Information Captured by Form 1099-DA: The form demands detailed transaction data, including:

  • Identification of payer and recipient.

  • Transaction specifics like asset details, dates, and gross proceeds.

  • Cost basis for securities—mandatory starting in 2026; voluntary in 2025.

  • Duration of asset holding.

  • Type of transaction.

  • Market valuation and fees associated.

  • Wash sales for tokenized securities.

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The reporting nuances vary each tax year:

  • 2025 Tax Year (forms sent early 2026) - Brokers must report gross proceeds. Cost basis remains voluntary.

  • 2026 onwards (forms sent early 2027 and beyond) - More comprehensive data reporting, including cost basis for "covered securities," becomes compulsory.

Tackling Cost Basis Reporting in 2025: For 2025, the voluntary nature of cost basis reporting means taxpayers must carefully document their digital asset transactions. If cost basis information is absent on Form 1099-DA, the IRS could default to zero, resulting in unanticipated tax assessments.

Special Reporting for Stablecoins and NFTs: Distinct rules apply to specific digital assets:

  • Stablecoins: For transactions exceeding $10,000 annually, brokers may aggregate reports.

  • NFT Sales: Brokers must report if NFT sales surpass $600 annually, possibly in aggregate form.

Integrating Form 1099-DA into Tax Filings: Similar to stock transactions on Form 1099-B, 1099-DA data is pivotal in preparing tax returns. Accurate integration with existing records is crucial to calculating gains or losses for Form 1040 accuracy.

Best Practices for Digital Asset Investors: Adapting to the evolving tax landscape requires meticulous record-keeping and perhaps utilizing specialized crypto tax software. Reporting all digital asset activities, even those not represented on a Form 1099-DA, remains essential.

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IRS Compliance and Digital Asset Transactions: The IRS's Form 1040 includes a question on digital asset dealings. Accuracy in answering is critical, especially with new cross-referencing capabilities using Form 1099-DA data.

Feel free to reach out to us at MJ Ahmed CPA PLLC for assistance in accurately reflecting your digital asset activities on your tax return. Our extensive experience across the U.S. and beyond can guide you through these complex changes effectively.

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