IRS Declares Staking Rewards as Taxable Income for US Crypto Investors
The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that cryptocurrency investors in the US must include staking rewards as part of their gross income. This means that as soon as investors gain control of the staking rewards, they must include the fair market value of those rewards in their income for tax purposes. The IRS specifies that the fair market value should be determined at the time the taxpayer gains control of the rewards.
Key Points:
- Staking rewards in crypto are subject to income tax as soon as they are in the taxpayer’s possession.
- The fair market value of the rewards must be included in the taxpayer’s income in the tax year in which they were obtained.
- Taxpayers compensated for goods and services through cryptocurrencies must also include the market value of the assets in their taxable income.
- There is currently regulatory uncertainty surrounding staking services in the US.
- Coinbase has suspended its staking services in certain states following regulatory orders.
Hot Take: The IRS’s declaration regarding staking rewards as taxable income adds another layer of complexity for US crypto investors. With ongoing regulatory uncertainty surrounding staking services, it is crucial for investors to stay informed and comply with tax regulations. This development highlights the need for clearer guidelines from regulatory authorities to ensure the smooth operation of the crypto industry.