Comprehensive Guide to Form 1099-DA: Navigating Crypto Tax Reporting

The introduction of Form 1099-DA by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) marks a significant shift in the way digital asset transactions are reported. This new form, titled "Digital Asset Proceeds from Broker Transactions," must be utilized by certain brokers to document transactions involving digital assets like cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and beyond. Its purpose is to bolster transparency and compliance within the fast-paced digital asset domain.

Image 2

Commencing with the 2025 tax year, brokers will be expected to provide both taxpayers and the IRS with Form 1099-DA by early 2026. Prior to this mandate, digital asset transactions were largely self-reported, resulting in frequent discrepancies and cases of underreporting.

The Purpose and Impact of Form 1099-DA: Spearheading improved tax compliance and accurate transaction reporting, Form 1099-DA facilitates standardized reporting for digital assets. While this may simplify tax filing for some investors, it equally underscores the necessity for meticulous record-keeping to ensure precise reporting.

Brokers Obligated to Issue Form 1099-DA: The responsibility of issuing Form 1099-DA lies with "brokers" involved in the sale or exchange of digital assets. The IRS's broad definition of brokers encompasses digital asset trading platforms, payment processors, and hosted wallet providers; however, decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and non-custodial wallets typically do not fall under this requirement.

Image 1

Recipients of Form 1099-DA: U.S. taxpayers engaging in selling, trading, or disposing of digital assets via qualifying brokers should anticipate receiving Form 1099-DA in early 2026, covering transactions from 2025. This includes individuals and businesses involved in the spectrum of digital asset activities, from buying and selling to mining and staking. Additionally, real estate reporting entities are mandated to report real estate exchanges involving digital assets.

Details Included on Form 1099-DA: Brokers are required to report comprehensive transaction details on Form 1099-DA, such as:

  • Payer and recipient identification

  • Transaction specifics including asset name, quantity, date, time, and gross proceeds

  • Cost basis (mandatory reporting begins in 2026 for "covered securities")

  • Holding period

  • Transaction type

  • Fair Market Value (FMV)

  • Transaction fees

  • Wash sales for tokenized securities

Form 1099-DA reporting specifications will differ based on the tax year:

  • 2025 Tax Year - Reports must include gross proceeds from digital asset sales and exchanges. Cost basis reporting by brokers remains voluntary for this year.

  • 2026 and Beyond - Comprehensive reporting obligations will entail gross proceeds, cost basis (for "covered securities"), acquisition and disposition dates, holding periods, and detailed transaction information.

Image 3

Understanding the Cost Basis Challenge for 2025: In 2025, the voluntary nature of cost basis reporting on Form 1099-DA could lead to the IRS presuming a zero basis, potentially resulting in tax discrepancies for underreported income. Taxpayers must maintain detailed records, including acquisition dates, costs, fees, disposition dates, and sales proceeds, to ensure accurate completion of Forms 8949 and Schedule D.

Special Reporting Rules for Specific Digital Assets:

  • Qualifying Stablecoins: From 2025, aggregated reporting of stablecoin transactions surpassing $10,000 annually is permitted.

  • Specified NFTs: Brokers must report NFT sales exceeding $600 annually starting in 2025, with aggregated reporting possible under certain conditions.

Utilizing Form 1099-DA for Tax Filing: The information from Form 1099-DA assists in preparing tax returns akin to Form 1099-B for stock transactions. It involves reconciling the form with personal records to accurately calculate and report capital gains or losses on Form 1040.

Crypto Investor Best Practices: Maintaining comprehensive transaction records, leveraging crypto tax software, and understanding broker reporting limitations—particularly regarding the 2025 cost basis rule—are essential practices for digital asset investors. Even if transactions are not reported on a 1099-DA, they must still be recorded. Staying abreast of these developments and consulting a tax professional is vital.

IRS Digital Asset Question Clarification: Form 1040 features a question regarding engagement with digital assets which has been present for several years. With the implementation of Form 1099-DA, this will assist the IRS in confirming a taxpayer's honesty, as Form 1099-DA filings will back up any reported digital asset dealings. It is crucial to answer this question accurately and truthfully since signing the tax return signifies the information is true and complete under penalty of perjury.

Reach out to our office for any questions or assistance with accurately including digital asset transactions in your tax returns.

Share this article...

Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

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 .