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The newly introduced IRS Form 1099-DA, titled "Digital Asset Proceeds from Broker Transactions," marks a significant shift in how digital asset exchanges are reported in the United States. This form is a vital tool designed to enhance transparency and compliance within the dynamic domain of digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Specifically, it obligates certain brokers to log transactions involving digital currencies, NFTs, and more.
Effective for the 2025 tax year, the requirement mandates brokers to dispatch these forms to both taxpayers and the IRS starting early 2026. Prior to this implementation, digital asset transaction reporting heavily relied on self-submitted data, often resulting in discrepancies and underreporting.
The Objective and Ramifications of Form 1099-DA: With the intention to bolster tax compliance and accuracy, Form 1099-DA standardizes the reporting process, streamlining tax filing procedures for many investors. However, it simultaneously demands meticulous record-keeping to ensure precise reporting.

Obligated Parties for Issuing Form 1099-DA: The onus of Form 1099-DA issuance rests with "brokers" orchestrating digital asset transactions. This definition encompasses digital asset trading platforms, payment processors, and hosted wallet providers as per IRS standards. Notably, decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and non-custodial wallets are largely exempt from this requirement.
Recipients of Form 1099-DA: U.S. taxpayers engaging in digital asset sales, trades, or disposals via a qualified broker will receive Form 1099-DA by early 2026 for 2025 transactions. This group includes both individual and corporate investors involved in buying, selling, trading, mining, or staking digital assets. Furthermore, real estate entities must report digital asset utilization in property transactions.
Details Captured by Form 1099-DA: Brokers must furnish detailed data concerning each digital asset transaction on Form 1099-DA, encompassing:
Payer and recipient identifiers.
Transaction specifics, including asset name, volume, dates, and gross proceeds.
For "covered securities" acquired post-January 1, 2026, reporting the cost basis is mandatory, yet voluntary for 2025.
Holding period.
Transaction classification.
Fair Market Value (FMV).
Associated transaction fees.
Wash sales concerning tokenized securities.
The specifics reported on Form 1099-DA evolve based on the tax year。
2025 Tax Year (dispatch in early 2026) - Brokers must report gross proceeds from digital asset transactions. Reporting cost basis remains optional for 2025.
2026 Tax Year Onwards (dispatch in early 2027 and beyond) - Enhanced reporting requirements will be in effect, including gross proceeds, cost basis for "covered securities," as well as acquisition, disposition dates, and transaction specifics.
Cost Basis Reporting Challenges for 2025: A notable aspect for 2025 is the optionality of cost basis reporting by brokers. Absence of this data may prompt the IRS to assume a zero cost basis, potentially triggering tax inquiries linked to underreported income. Taxpayers must retain comprehensive personal records documenting acquisition dates, costs, fees, disposition timelines, and sales proceeds for accurate Form 8949 and Schedule D completion.

Specific Reporting Norms for Stablecoins and NFTs: Unique reporting standards exist for select digital asset categories.
Eligible Stablecoins: From 2025 onwards, brokers may aggregate report qualifying stablecoin transactions over $10,000 annually.
Designated NFTs: Starting 2025, if total specified NFT sales surpass $600, reporting is mandatory, possibly in aggregate form.
Utilization of Form 1099-DA for Tax Filings: Data captured on Form 1099-DA is utilized for tax preparations akin to converting stock transactions from Form 1099-B into Form 8949 and Schedule D. This necessitates aligning the Form 1099-DA with the taxpayer’s records to compute capital gains or losses accurately, reporting finalized outcomes on Form 1040.
Strategies for Crypto Investors: In light of these amendments, investors in digital assets should diligently document all transactions, possibly employ crypto tax software for tracking and accurate calculations, and recognize broker reporting limitations, particularly concerning the 2025 cost basis aspect. Unreported transactions on Form 1099-DA must still be declared. Staying informed and consulting a tax professional is highly advisable to adeptly navigate this evolving chrono.

IRS Digital Asset Inquiry: Recently, Form 1040 incorporates a binary query: "During [reporting year], did you (a) receive digital assets as a reward, award, or payment; or (b) sell, exchange, or dispose of digital assets?" The forthcoming issuance of Form 1099-DA for digital asset exchanges grants the IRS the capability to validate taxpayer responses vis-à-vis broker-filed Form 1099-DA. Taxpayers affirming their returns do so under penalty of perjury, underscoring the importance of accurate responses to IRS inquiries.
We encourage you to contact our office for expert guidance on integrating your crypto transactions into your tax returns accurately.
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