The US Treasury Implements New Crypto Rules to Combat Tax Evasion

The US Treasury Department has recently finalized new regulations aimed at preventing tax evasion in the cryptocurrency space. While individuals who buy and sell cryptocurrencies have always been required to pay taxes on their earnings, this new rule will enhance transparency by mandating cryptocurrency platforms, including exchanges and payment processors, to report their users’ transactions to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

According to The Wall Street Journal, the objective behind this regulation is to curb tax evasion and ensure that taxpayers accurately report their cryptocurrency-related income. By having access to transaction data from these platforms, the IRS will be better equipped to verify the tax liabilities of crypto investors.

One key aspect of the new rule is the introduction of a 1099 form specifically tailored for digital asset transactions, known as the 1099-DA (Digital Asset Proceeds From Broker Transaction). This form will be provided by brokers to their clients, making it easier for individuals to declare their earnings accurately to the IRS.

Notably, the regulation stipulates a reporting threshold of $10,000 for transactions involving stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies pegged to traditional fiat currencies like the US dollar. Platforms like Coinbase and Binance, which facilitate the trading of digital assets and hold custody of users’ funds, will be subject to these reporting requirements.

Aviva Aron-Dine, the Treasury’s acting assistant secretary for tax policy, emphasized the significance of these regulations in facilitating tax compliance and reducing tax evasion among cryptocurrency investors. By enforcing reporting obligations on digital asset platforms, the authorities aim to streamline the tax filing process and enhance compliance with existing tax laws.

It’s important to note that the new rule applies only to centralized platforms that hold custody of digital assets and does not encompass decentralized platforms. Separate regulations for decentralized platforms are expected to be finalized later this year. Brokers will commence reporting digital asset sales proceeds in 2026 for transactions executed in 2025, meaning that crypto traders will have the responsibility to report their activities for the year 2024 on their own.

Overall, the implementation of these regulations signifies a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, particularly concerning taxation. The intention is to strike a balance between fostering innovation in the digital asset space and upholding regulatory compliance to prevent illicit financial activities.