Navigating Form 1099-DA: Key Insights for Crypto Investors

Amidst the dynamic landscape of digital assets, the IRS has introduced Form 1099-DA, titled "Digital Asset Proceeds from Broker Transactions." This form marks a significant shift towards improved transparency and compliance in cryptocurrency and digital asset reporting. Designed to provide a comprehensive overview of transactions involving cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other digital assets, it aims to enhance accuracy in tax reporting.

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This key regulatory change is set to be effective for the 2025 tax year, with brokers obligated to submit the forms by early 2026. Historically, digital asset transactions heavily depended on self-reporting by taxpayers, which often resulted in discrepancies and underreporting.

The Purpose and Impact of Form 1099-DA: By mandating brokers to report transactions, Form 1099-DA aims to standardize digital asset reporting, thereby simplifying tax filing for investors. However, it necessitates meticulous record-keeping to ensure that all reports are accurate.

Obligations to Issue Form 1099-DA: The responsibility to issue this form rests on entities classified as "brokers" under IRS guidelines, including digital asset exchanges, payment processors, and custodial providers. However, platforms operating on decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-custodial wallets generally are not required to issue this form.

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Recipients of Form 1099-DA: U.S. taxpayers who partake in digital asset transactions through qualifying brokers will receive Form 1099-DA starting in early 2026. This encompasses a broad array of activities such as buying, selling, trading, mining, or staking digital assets, as well as their use in real estate transactions.

Details Included on Form 1099-DA: The form compels brokers to disclose comprehensive information such as:

  • Payer and recipient identification.

  • Specific transaction details, including asset name, quantity, date, and gross proceeds.

  • Cost basis (mandatory for "covered securities" acquired post-January 1, 2026; optional for 2025).

  • Transaction fees and fair market value.

  • Wash sales regarding tokenized securities.

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For the 2025 tax year, the focus is on reporting the gross proceeds from digital asset transactions, with cost basis reporting remaining optional. From 2026 onwards, a more detailed report will be required.

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The Cost Basis Challenge of 2025: As cost basis is not mandatory for 2025, the IRS might default to assuming a basis of zero, which could result in erroneous tax liability if not accurately recorded by taxpayers. Maintaining detailed personal records of transaction history, including acquisition costs and disposition data, is crucial for accurate filing in Forms 8949 and Schedule D.

Special Rules for Stablecoins and NFTs: Special reporting requirements exist for stablecoins and NFTs. For transactions exceeding $10,000 per year or NFT sales surpassing $600, reporting may be aggregated.

How Form 1099-DA Affects Tax Filing: Form 1099-DA's data integrates into tax returns like stock transaction forms, necessitating careful reconciliation with personal records to calculate capital gains or losses, which are reported on Form 1040.

Crypto Investor Best Practices: To adapt to these regulatory changes, digital asset users should prioritize thorough transaction documentation, consider leveraging crypto tax software, and remain vigilant about reporting gaps, especially around cost basis reporting for 2025. Professional tax advice can be invaluable in navigating these complexities.

IRS Digital Asset Questioning: The IRS includes a digital asset transaction inquiry on Form 1040, and with the introduction of Form 1099-DA, it bolsters its capability to verify taxpayer responses. Accurate and honest responses are pivotal during tax filings.

Feel free to reach out to our office for any guidance or clarification needed in handling your crypto transactions within your tax return.

Let's Chat!
If any of these topics caught your attention, please contact to start the conversation!
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