The entry of cryptocurrencies into the global financial system came with significant implications. For many, cryptocurrencies provided an alternative to the traditional centralized economic system. It democratized financial services, removed intermediaries, and gave more control to individual users. If you are new to the trading system of Bitcoin, you can learn a lot of trading strategies by using a reputable trading platform.

However, the centralized financial system and its beneficiaries felt threatened by cryptocurrencies. The cryptocurrencies challenged the very foundations of the centralized financial system. Primarily, it provided a decentralized system with no government control. It also offered an alternative to government-issued fiat currencies.

To deal with this threat from cryptocurrencies, many governments adopted different strategies. Some governments, like China, took extreme measures to ban cryptocurrencies completely. However, the US took a different approach. Rather than ban cryptocurrencies, the government has been trying to introduce crypto regulations.

Although Bitcoin is not a legal currency in the US, the IRS requires users to report gains and losses from their Bitcoin. The IRS treats Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as property and is subject to capital gains and loss rules. Essentially, you need to report your Bitcoin gains and losses.

Even if you are new to online trading, you will find the platform helpful in trading different assets, including commodities, crypto, and stocks. Try it today.

Reporting Bitcoin Losses

The IRS expects you to report your Bitcoin losses. And this can be from trading, exchanging, or selling Bitcoin. You will use Form 8949, which the IRS provides, to report the losses. On the form, you will record all your gains and losses from every Bitcoin transaction. Once you have registered each taxable event from your Bitcoin transactions, you will summarize and record the total net loss at the bottom of the form.

The explanation above makes it look so simple. It could be simple if you only have a few Bitcoin transactions and a limited portfolio. However, reporting capital losses may become more difficult as your Bitcoin transactions increase and your portfolio grows.

Moreover, some crypto exchanges have issues providing customers with gains and losses reports due to the technical nature of cryptocurrencies and their interoperability. For example, if you transfer Bitcoin from one wallet to another, it may be difficult for the exchanges to determine your original cost basis for the Bitcoin you moved.

You can use crypto tax software to overcome the difficulty in reporting Bitcoin losses. Crypto tax software automates the process based on pre-configured formulas and the provided data. Therefore, you don’t have to go through the tedious process manually.

Why Report Bitcoin Losses

Reporting Bitcoin losses on tax is vital for several reasons. First, it ensures that you are tax compliant. Therefore, you don’t have to live in fear that the IRS might catch up with you and impose appropriate penalties for not reporting your Bitcoin losses as required.

Second, reporting your Bitcoin losses is vital in lowering your taxes. One way is through an income tax deduction. You can deduct up to $3,000 of your losses from your income if you incur total capital losses across all assets. You can also use your Bitcoin losses to offset capital gains from the current or future tax year.

For example, if your portfolio includes Bitcoin and stock and you decide to reserve for a $4,000 profit and Bitcoin for a $5,000 loss, reporting the Bitcoin loss on tax will allow you to offset $4,000 of capital gains and $1,000 of income. Your capital gains loss will offset your capital gains for the year. And since your capital loss surpasses your capital gains, you can deduct part of your income too.

Conclusion

The IRS treats cryptocurrencies as property. Hence, you are required to report Bitcoin losses on form 8949. Reporting your Bitcoin losses is important because it can reduce your tax obligation.



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