Tag Archives: Bitcoins

Can You Use a §1031 Exchange to Defer Gain with Cryptocurrency?

Posted on September 5, 2017 by Russ

I recently wrote an article noting that if you exchange one cryptocurrency for another you have a capital gain (or loss). I was recently asked if you could defer such a gain by using a §1031 Exchange. What Is a … Continue reading →

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The IRS Is Coming! The IRS is Coming!

Posted on August 24, 2017 by Russ

As first reported by Bob McKenzie this morning, the IRS has purchased software to help them identify Bitcoin transactions. The IRS is reportedly using a product from Chainalysis, Inc., a New York-based supplier of products used to analyze Bitcoin activity. … Continue reading →

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Taxes When a Cryptocurrency Splits Into Two

Posted on August 21, 2017 by Russ

The IRS ruled that cryptocurrencies are treated as property (like stocks and bonds). What happens when a cryptocurrency splits into two separate cryptocurrencies? Let’s start with the analogous situation with a stock. Suppose Acme Industries, Inc. spins off its subsidiary, … Continue reading →

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On Tulips and Bitcoins

Posted on August 20, 2017 by Russ

When I was in junior high school, I remember being taught about the 17th century tulip mania. Tulips in 1637 cost more than a house! That was a bubble (though some economists think there may have been rational explanations, let’s … Continue reading →

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Did I Prepare 5% of the Tax Returns with Bitcoin in 2015?

Posted on August 13, 2017 by Russ

The IRS is attempting to force Coinbase to disgorge a list of its customers who have traded Bitcoins. Back in March, an IRS agent, as part of attempting to enforce its summons against Coinbase, stated that there were only 802 … Continue reading →

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Exchanging One Cryptocurrency for Another Is a Taxable Event

Posted on May 27, 2017 by Russ

Let’s assume I own some Bitcoins and you own some Ethereum; these are two cryptocurrencies. We think they’re each worth $5,000 and we agree to swap them. Do we have a taxable event? The IRS consideres cryptocurrencies to be akin … Continue reading →

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Do You Need a License to Sell Bitcoins?

Posted on May 15, 2017 by Russ

Let’s say I own some Bitcoins. I want to sell them to a friend. Do I need a license to do that? This question came up after I was informed that a Missouri man pleaded guilty to operating an illegal … Continue reading →

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IRS: Bitcoins Are Property

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Russ

The IRS finally released guidance on Bitcoins and other virtual currency today. The IRS’s notice states that Bitcoins should be treated as property. What does this mean? 1. Bitcoins held as investments are generally treated under capital gain rules. If … Continue reading →

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The Trouble With Bitcoins: Taxation

Posted on January 19, 2014 by Russ

National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson noted in her recent report that the IRS needs to issue specific guidance around digital currency: The use of digital currencies, such as bitcoin, is growing. Between July and December, 2013, bitcoin usage increased by … Continue reading →

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