Crypto Tax Guide 2023: What You Need to Know Before Filing Your Returns

Kathlyn Smith
3 min readMar 5, 2023

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Cryptocurrency has been gaining popularity over the years and has become an investment opportunity for many individuals. However, with the rise in popularity, governments are starting to take notice and introduce regulations regarding the taxation of cryptocurrency. As we enter 2023, it’s important to know what you need to know before filing your cryptocurrency taxes.

  1. Know the Tax Laws The first step to filing your cryptocurrency taxes is to know the tax laws in your country. Tax laws can vary from country to country and even state to state. It’s important to understand what the tax laws are so that you can accurately report your cryptocurrency earnings and avoid any legal issues.
  2. Keep Track of Your Transactions It’s crucial to keep track of all your cryptocurrency transactions, including buying, selling, trading, and mining. You can do this by using a cryptocurrency tax software that can help you calculate your tax liabilities, generate reports, and provide a summary of your transactions. Some popular options include CoinTracking, Koinly, and CryptoTrader.Tax.
  3. Know Your Taxable Events Not all cryptocurrency transactions are taxable. Taxable events can include selling, trading, and receiving cryptocurrency as income. Other events, such as gifting cryptocurrency or donating it to a charity, can also have tax implications. It’s important to understand which events are taxable so that you can report them accurately on your tax returns.
  4. Calculate Your Capital Gains and Losses When you sell or trade your cryptocurrency, you may be required to pay capital gains taxes. Capital gains are calculated by taking the difference between the purchase price and the selling price of the cryptocurrency. If you sell your cryptocurrency at a lower price than what you bought it for, you may be able to deduct the losses from your taxes.
  5. Keep Records of Your Tax Returns It’s important to keep records of your tax returns and any supporting documents for at least three years. This includes records of all your cryptocurrency transactions and tax returns filed. These records will come in handy if you’re ever audited by the tax authorities.
  6. Seek Professional Help If you’re unsure about how to file your cryptocurrency taxes, it’s always best to seek professional help. A tax professional can help you navigate the complex world of cryptocurrency taxation and ensure that you’re filing your taxes correctly.

In conclusion, as cryptocurrency becomes more mainstream, it’s important to understand the tax laws and implications of owning and trading cryptocurrency. By keeping accurate records, knowing your taxable events, and seeking professional help when needed, you can ensure that you’re filing your cryptocurrency taxes correctly and avoiding any legal issues.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment or financial advice. The content of this article does not take into account your individual circumstances and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement for any particular investment or financial product. Before making any investment or financial decision, it is important to consult a qualified professional who can provide tailored advice based on your specific needs and objectives. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for any consequences arising from the use of the information provided in this article.

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