Claiming Crypto Losses on Your Taxes? 5 Important Things You Need to Know

Friend, I keep repeating myself! Cryptocurrency has become increasingly popular in recent years, and with this increased popularity comes increased tax implications. With so many people investing in crypto, it’s not surprising that many of them are experiencing losses. If you’re one of them, it’s important to know how to properly claim these losses on your taxes.

Here’s what you need to know:

Report Your Transactions

The first step in claiming crypto losses on your taxes is to accurately report all of your transactions. This includes any purchases, sales, or trades of cryptocurrency. It’s important to keep detailed records of all of your transactions, including the date of the transaction, the amount of cryptocurrency involved, and the value of the cryptocurrency at the time of the transaction. This information will be needed when you file your taxes.

How to Determine Cost Basis

Your cost basis is the value of an asset, such as cryptocurrency, that you bought. It is used to determine the amount of any gains or losses you have incurred. For example, if you bought 1 Bitcoin for $10,000 and then sold it for $15,000, your cost basis would be $10,000, and you would have a gain of $5,000.

Calculate Your Capital Gains or Losses

Once you have determined your cost basis, you can then calculate your capital gains or losses. This is done by subtracting your cost basis from the sale price of the cryptocurrency. If the result is positive, you have a capital gain, and if the result is negative, you have a capital loss.

Report Your Capital Gains or Losses on Your Taxes

Capital gains or losses from cryptocurrency transactions must be reported on your federal tax return. They are considered short-term capital gains or losses if you held the cryptocurrency for one year or less, and long-term capital gains or losses if you held the cryptocurrency for more than one year.

Deduct Your Capital Losses

If you have experienced capital losses from your cryptocurrency transactions, you may be able to deduct these losses on your taxes. Capital losses can be used to offset capital gains, and if your losses exceed your gains, you may be able to deduct up to $3,000 of the excess loss against your ordinary income. Any unused losses can be carried forward to future tax years.

Claiming crypto losses on your taxes can be a complex process, but it’s important to accurately report all of your transactions, determine your cost basis, calculate your capital gains or losses, and report these gains or losses on your taxes. By following these steps, you can ensure that you are properly reporting your crypto losses on your taxes and taking advantage of any deductions that you may be entitled to.

And remember, we are here to help. Virtual Currency and the Tax Preparer course is a great way to expand your knowledge and increase your bottom line.

Keep Rising!