U.S. Treasury and IRS Delay Enforcement of Crypto Reporting Requirements
In a temporary relief to businesses dealing with crypto, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have announced a delay in the enforcement of new reporting requirements for digital asset transactions.
This postponement comes as the agencies work on implementing regulations following changes introduced by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Temporary Pause to Earlier Guideline
The Act is part of the infrastructure bill signed by President Joe Biden in 2021. It redefined the treatment of digital assets, equating them with cash for reporting purposes. According to the revised rules, businesses engaged in trade or commerce must report any receipt of digital assets if the receipts exceed $10,000, similar to cash transaction reporting.
However, the recent announcement by the IRS indicates a transitional phase. The Treasury and IRS have clarified that businesses are not required to report digital asset transactions in the same manner as cash transactions until specific regulations are established.
Despite this temporary relaxation, the existing rules for reporting cash transactions remain unchanged. Businesses are required to report cash receipts over $10,000 using Form 8300 within 15 days following the transaction.
Arguments Against IRS Crypto Reporting Rules
The infrastructure bill also puts crypto brokers under scrutiny. These entities, including crypto exchanges and custodians, will be obliged to report qualifying transactions to the IRS once specific rules are formed.
However, a controversy erupted within the community as the rules also require providing information, including the sender’s personal details.
The IRS said in a statement on Tuesday, “Treasury and the IRS intend to issue proposed regulations to provide additional information and procedures for reporting the receipt of digital assets, giving the public an opportunity to comment both in writing and, if requested, at a public hearing.”
Meanwhile, critics argue that these stringent measures could be impractical and potentially detrimental to the crypto industry’s growth and innovation.
Hot Take: U.S. Treasury and IRS Provide Temporary Relief for Crypto Reporting Requirements
In a move that provides some respite to businesses involved in crypto transactions, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have announced a delay in enforcing new reporting guidelines for digital asset transactions. This delay comes as the agencies work on implementing regulations following changes introduced by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The Act redefines the treatment of digital assets, requiring businesses engaged in trade or commerce to report any receipt of digital assets exceeding $10,000. However, the recent announcement by the IRS indicates a transitional phase, allowing businesses to report digital asset transactions differently until specific regulations are established. Despite this temporary relaxation, existing rules for reporting cash transactions remain unchanged. Critics argue that these stringent measures may hinder the growth and innovation of the crypto industry.