Introduction
As cryptocurrency trading becomes increasingly popular, many investors are engaging in crypto-to-crypto trades, which involve exchanging one type of cryptocurrency for another. But it's essential to recognize that, according to the IRS, these trades are considered taxable events, and understanding the tax implications is key to staying compliant and avoiding unnecessary surprises during tax season.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trades Are Taxable Events
When you engage in a crypto-to-crypto trade, the IRS treats this transaction as a disposition of one property (the crypto you're trading away) and the acquisition of another property (the crypto you're receiving). The result is that you’ll need to calculate either a capital gain or capital loss based on the fair market value (FMV) of the first crypto at the time of the trade, compared to its cost basis.
For example:
-
If you trade 1 BTC for 10 ETH and the FMV of the BTC at the time of the trade is $20,000, but your cost basis for that BTC was $15,000, you’ll recognize a capital gain of $5,000.
How to Report Crypto-to-Crypto Trades
-
Keep Detailed Records
Accurate record-keeping is crucial when dealing with crypto-to-crypto trades. For each trade, document:-
The date of the trade
-
The FMV of both the crypto you’re trading away and the crypto you’re receiving
-
The cost basis of the traded crypto
-
-
Holding Period and Capital Gains
The holding period for the newly acquired cryptocurrency begins on the date of the trade, not the original purchase date of the traded crypto. If you hold the newly acquired crypto for more than one year, it qualifies for long-term capital gains, which are typically taxed at a lower rate. If held for less than a year, short-term capital gains apply. -
Wash Sale Rule While the wash sale rule—which prevents taxpayers from claiming losses on a sale and rebuying a similar asset within 30 days—technically applies to securities, there is still debate about whether this rule applies to cryptocurrencies, as the IRS has not provided clear guidance. However, taxpayers should err on the side of caution, especially if trading similar assets frequently in a short period.
Tax Reporting for Crypto Trades
When it comes time to report your crypto trades to the IRS, you will use:
-
Form 8949 – Report each crypto trade (crypto-to-crypto, crypto-to-fiat, etc.), showing the date, proceeds (FMV at time of sale), cost basis, and gain/loss.
-
Schedule D – Summarize the total capital gains and losses for the tax year.
Conclusion
While crypto-to-crypto trades may seem like straightforward swaps, they are taxable events that must be carefully reported. Whether you’re managing short-term trades or holding onto assets for long-term capital gains, staying compliant with IRS reporting requirements is essential. Keep meticulous records, understand the tax treatment of each transaction, and ensure you’re on the right side of the IRS when reporting.
If you have any questions or require further assistance, our team at Block3 Finance can help you.
Please contact us by email at inquiry@block3finance.com or by phone at 1-877-804–1888 to schedule a FREE initial consultation appointment.
You may also visit our website (www.block3finance.com) to learn more about the range of crypto services we offer to startups, DAOs, and established businesses.