Learning Center

We keep you up-to-date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.

Essential Update: Navigating the New 1099-DA for Crypto

Introducing Form 1099-DA, or "Digital Asset Proceeds from Broker Transactions," a revolutionary IRS initiative designed to streamline tax reporting on digital assets. This new form mandates select brokers to disclose crypto-based transactions, including those involving cryptocurrencies and NFTs, thereby enhancing compliance and visibility in this dynamic marketplace.

The official commencement for Form 1099-DA reporting is slated for the 2025 tax year, with forms disseminated to both taxpayers and the IRS in early 2026. Prior to this, digital asset transactions relied heavily on self-reporting, often leading to discrepancies and underreporting.

The Purpose and Impact of Form 1099-DA: By standardizing transaction reporting, Form 1099-DA is pivotal in bolstering tax compliance and accuracy within the digital asset sector. While it could simplify tax filings for investors, it also demands meticulous record maintenance to ensure precision in reporting.

Image 1

Obligations to Issue Form 1099-DA: The onus of issuing Form 1099-DA lies with "brokers" that manage the sale or exchange of digital assets. This broad designation by the IRS encompasses digital asset trading platforms, payment processors, and hosted wallet providers. Notably, decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and non-custodial wallets are generally excluded from this requirement.

Recipients of Form 1099-DA: U.S. taxpayers involved in the selling, trading, or disposal of digital assets through qualifying brokers will receive a Form 1099-DA in early 2026 for their 2025 transactions. This includes individuals and entities engaged in digital asset activities like buying, selling, trading, mining, or staking. Additionally, digital asset transactions related to real estate reporting must be included.

Form 1099-DA Transaction Details: The form necessitates brokers to report detailed transaction data, covering:

  • Payer and Recipient Identification

  • Asset Name, Quantity, Date, Time, and Gross Proceeds

  • Cost Basis (compulsory for "covered securities" post-January 1, 2026; voluntary for 2025)

  • Holding Period

  • Transaction Type

  • Fair Market Value

  • Transaction Fees

  • Wash Sales for Tokenized Securities

Image 2

The scope of information reported varies by tax year:

  • 2025 Tax Year - For transactions in 2025, brokers must disclose gross proceeds while cost basis reporting remains voluntary.
  • 2026 Tax Year and Beyond - Starting in 2026, brokers will report extensive details, including gross proceeds, cost basis for "covered securities," acquisition and disposition dates, holding period, and transaction specifics.

Understanding the 2025 Cost Basis Reporting: A crucial aspect for 2025 is the voluntary nature of cost basis reporting by brokers. Absence of reported cost basis on Form 1099-DA could prompt the IRS to assume it as zero, potentially triggering underreporting notifications. To mitigate this, taxpayers should maintain comprehensive personal transaction records such as acquisition dates, costs, fees, and sales proceeds for accurate completion of Forms 8949 and Schedule D.

Image 3

Specific Rules for Stablecoins and NFTs:

  • Qualifying Stablecoins: From 2025 onwards, brokers can report aggregate stablecoin transactions if they exceed $10,000 annually.
  • Designated NFTs: Commencing in 2025, brokers must report aggregate sales of designated NFTs surpassing $600 yearly.

Utilizing Form 1099-DA for Tax Filing: Echoing the role of 1099-B for stock transactions, Form 1099-DA serves to corroborate taxpayer records, facilitating capital gains or losses calculation on Form 1040.

Best Practices for Crypto Investors: To adeptly navigate these regulatory shifts, digital asset investors should diligently document all transactions, consider utilizing crypto tax software, and be aware of broker reporting limitations, particularly regarding the 2025 cost basis. It is vital to report all transactions, even those not covered by a 1099-DA. Staying informed and consulting with tax professionals can help adeptly manage this evolving environment.

Responding to IRS Digital Asset Queries: The IRS includes a "yes/no" question on Form 1040 regarding digital asset transactions. The issuance of 1099-DA enables the IRS to verify compliance. When signing the tax return, taxpayers certify the accuracy of their declarations under penalty of perjury, underscoring the importance of precise reporting.

Contact us for any queries or assistance in accurately incorporating your crypto transactions into your returns.

Share this article...

Want our best tax and accounting tips and insights delivered to your inbox?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .