What Is Bitcoin (BTC)?
Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency with the symbol BTC. For US federal tax purposes, digital assets are treated as property.
Tax Classification & Status
The IRS classifies BTC as property. Each transaction involving BTC can trigger capital gains or losses.
How to Track BTC Transactions
To properly track BTC transactions, record the date, amount, and USD value at the time of each transaction. This information is crucial for calculating gains or losses.
Common Tax Mistakes with BTC
❌ Not tracking all BTC transactions
Why
Missing acquisition and disposal records can lead to an incorrect gain or loss.
⚠️ Potential Cost
Incorrect cost basis can overstate or understate your tax.
How to Get BTC
BTC can be acquired on major cryptocurrency exchanges. When acquiring BTC, the basis depends on how it was acquired. Purchases generally use cost in US dollars; income, gifts and other acquisitions can follow different rules.
How to Report BTC on Your Taxes
Report capital-asset disposals of BTC on Form 8949 and Schedule D as applicable. Crypto received as income is reported separately on the form appropriate to that income.Frequently Asked Questions
Is BTC taxable?▼
For US federal tax, selling, swapping or spending crypto can trigger a gain or loss. Simply holding it, buying it with cash, or moving it between your own wallets generally does not; paying a fee in crypto can be a separate disposal.
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