What is Virtual Currency (IRS Definition)?
Digital representations of value treated as property by the IRS, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies.
Definition
The IRS defines virtual currency as a digital representation of value that functions as a medium of exchange, a unit of account, or a store of value. Virtual currency is treated as property for US federal tax purposes, meaning general tax principles applicable to property transactions apply. This includes capital gains tax on sales or exchanges, income tax on mining or staking rewards, and reporting requirements. Since 2019, the IRS includes a virtual currency question on Form 1040.
Who Needs to Know This?
Anyone who bought, sold, exchanged, mined, staked, or received cryptocurrency or other virtual currency during the tax year, including US expats trading crypto abroad.
Key Deadline
Reported on annual tax return; Form 1040 includes mandatory virtual currency question
Potential Penalties
Standard accuracy-related penalties; criminal prosecution for willful non-reporting
Related Forms
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 1Not reporting crypto-to-crypto exchanges as taxable events
- 2Answering the Form 1040 virtual currency question incorrectly
- 3Not tracking cost basis across multiple exchanges
- 4Thinking small transactions are not reportable
Related Terms
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