Category: Crypto Tax

Responding to an IRS Letter of Audit or Examination – What’s Involved

Even the possibility of getting an IRS letter can cause alarm, especially for crypto traders. But rather than worry, learn what’s involved and be prepared.

You open your mailbox and there’s an IRS letter asking about your crypto tax return. To respond to the audit, what work needs to be done and by who? It can be easy to panic and feel alarmed, but the best thing you can do first is to understand the process and your options.

What To Know If You Get an IRS Letter

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To understand what’s involved, and how best you can respond, I’m going to tell you about the five main activities during an examination of crypto transactions and records.

  • Substantiation is the producing of receipts, records, and evidence of any income or expenses under question. It includes gathering all exchange transaction records and off-exchange transactions related to cryptos. Only the taxpayer knows where these records are, so collecting them is their responsibility.
  • Accounting involves summarizing taxpayer records into tax reporting categories or forms. It is a taxpayer’s responsibility, but this work can be hired out. An example of this is using a crypto-capital gains calculation service to analyze transaction records to generate a list of gains. It is a complicated activity and critical to documenting the gains for the IRS.
  • Reporting involves preparing or amending tax returns to report income and expenses or anti-money laundering forms. During an IRS examination or audit of crypto reporting, this work is done by Crypto Tax Audit at no charge for its subscribers; otherwise, Crypto Tax Audit will provide this at a reasonable fee.
  • Representation is the strategizing and responding to tax authorities. It involves communicating with the IRS or tax authorities on the taxpayer’s behalf whether in writing or verbally, on all matters. This includes responding to letters, negotiating fast track mediation or settlement, negotiating with IRS Appeals office, requesting abatement, preparing taxpayer financial statements, applying for Currently Non-Collectable status or preparing Offers-In-Compromise petitions, keeping the taxpayer updated, and performing all other taxpayer dispute and collection options available in the tax code or Internal Revenue Manual.

For crypto-related examinations and audits, Crypto Tax Audit performs these services at no charge for its subscribers; otherwise, Crypto Tax Audit performs these services for a reasonable fee.

  • Controversy is the term used to describe when a taxpayer and the IRS disagree on how a matter should be treated under the tax laws and regulations. It is a significant activity because all crypto-related transactions are new and stretch how laws and regulations are interpreted. Controversy work requires legal training because it involves statutory interpretation and analysis of prior court cases, IRS rulings, and commentary from the congressional Joint Committee on Taxation. For crypto-related examinations and audits, Crypto Tax Audit does this work at no charge to its subscribers. This is an area of significant interest and investigation by Crypto Tax Audit to prevent the most persuasive arguments during IRS representation.
  • Litigation is needed when all efforts at escalation, appeals, and use of the tax advocate service do not provide a satisfactory result. A case can be taken to US Tax Court or Federal District Courts. A fresh legal case is prepared for arguing the tax controversy before a judge. Less than 4,000 cases per year are heard because the IRS uses its Appeals group to settle cases out of court if possible. While taxpayers can represent themselves at tax court, hiring an experienced tax litigation lawyer will increase the chances of winning. Paying for a lawyer is the taxpayer’s responsibility. Crypto Tax Audit will assist subscribers at no charge on crypto-related litigation efforts.

Read More: Latest Release of IRS Crypto Tax Information – Interview with Brad Kimes on XRP

What Can an IRS Letter Entail?

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Not all matters require all these skill areas. Often the cost is the driving consideration.

If your IRS letter is about collecting on a debt that is not disputed, then representation service is all that a taxpayer needs.

If your IRS letter is questioning the math on a return or the omission of reporting, then usually representation and sometimes reporting services are needed.

If your IRS letter is about a formal examination or audit, then more work may be needed. Substantiation, possibly bookkeeping, reporting, representation, and controversy work are needed.

Learn More: Our Services

Protect Yourself in the Case of an IRS Letter

Crypto Tax Audit

As a service of Donnelly Tax Law, a Crypto Tax Audit annual subscription can ensure the best protection against crypto tax risks.

It’s the proactive way to have peace of mind and know you’re protected regarding your crypto taxes.

To learn more, visit CryptoTaxAudit.com. 

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Biggest IRS Crypto Tax Guidance and What it Means for Crypto Traders

The IRS’s recent release of crypto tax guidance heralds major changes for all US taxpayers. Make sure to learn what it means for you as a crypto trader.

In early October, the IRS made its biggest release of crypto tax guidance in the past five years. And it heralds a massive change in how crypto traders report their cryptocurrency income.

The New Crypto Tax Guidance

The IRS has published an early release of the 2019 version of Schedule 1 of Form 1040. The schedule now starts with the following new question,

"At any time during 2019, did you receive, sell, send, exchange, or otherwise acquire any financial interest in any virtual currency?"

A yes or no answer is required. (The IRS defines cryptocurrencies as virtual currencies.)

This question requires all taxpayers to admit if they dabbled with cryptos during 2019.

Once a taxpayer checks this box, they are added to the list of known crypto traders for whom the IRS intends extra scrutiny.

Checking Yes to Crypto Tax

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So let’s say you check yes in 2019. What are the implications?

First, if you sold or exchanged cryptos in 2019, you must list your capital gains from those transactions. When listing a coin sold, you have to state the purchase date. If that date happens to be in a prior year, it begs the question, “did you accurately report your cryptos in that year?”.

Smart traders would go back and amend those prior year returns before the IRS finds out.

Checking No to Crypto Tax

crypto tax

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What are the implications of a crypto trader checking no?

When you sign a tax return, you are signing a statement that says under penalty of perjury, this return is true, correct and complete. Wrongly checking no would be a felony subject to fines or imprisonment.

This new Schedule 1 will cause all U.S. crypto traders to come out of the closet or permanently hide.

Need Crypto Tax Guidance?

To best learn how we can help you, let’s find out where your crypto taxes are at. Take our Crypto Tax Health Check (download below) and visit our store to benefit from my other ebooks. 

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Download for $20

Do you already know that you need our crypto tax services? Check out our Full-Service Crypto Tax Package or our do-it-yourself Crypto Tax Fixer Package.

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Latest Release of IRS Crypto Tax Information – Interview with Brad Kimes on XRP

We’ve just had the biggest release of IRS crypto tax information in the past five years. Here’s what to know and how to be prepared as a crypto trader.

This week has been the biggest release of IRS crypto tax information in the past five years. What is going on and what does this mean for you as a crypto trader?

I discuss this big news, and answer important questions it brings up, in my latest interview with Brad Kimes of XRP. If you haven’t already, watch the interview now. 

What Comes Next?

Over the next month, I’ll be writing more in-depth about this latest IRS crypto tax information and what you can do to be prepared as a crypto trader. 

In the meantime, subscribe to my newsletter to be notified of that and other important information regarding US crypto taxes. 

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Beyond IRS Crypto Tax Information

Dealing with crypto taxes requires more than a regular tax accountant. It requires legal expertise about the US tax regulations. That’s why I have a law degree specializing in the international laws of financial regulation including taxation. I’m also an Enrolled Agent. 

With this background, I’ve written several books that can help you with your crypto taxes.

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It’s Never Too Early for Tax Planning

Good tax planning is a year-round activity that requires knowing your options and keeping good records. Easily stay on top of it with these great tips.

Benjamin Franklin once said “to fail to plan is to plan to fail.” This adage certainly applies to tax planning.

Although the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) eliminated many deductions outright, there are exceptions. Certain deductions still exist but are being phased out, whereas others will expire after a set time. This means good tax planning remains an important aspect of good financial health.

Following are six steps you can take right now to prepare for your future taxes:

1. Adjust Withholdings

Determine whether you are someone who takes out more taxes every pay period so that you get a tax return, or whether you want the benefit of having the cash on hand right now. Adjust your withholding accordingly by filing a new Form W-4.

2. Organize Receipts

Start organizing your receipts now so you don’t accidently miss a deductible expense or a tax credit. Check the standard deduction for your situation, and consider whether you might need to itemize.

Having your receipts ready eases the tax preparation process. You should have the following categories of receipts and other documents handy:

  • Last year’s federal, state and local tax returns
  • Receipts/statements/cancelled checks for medical and drug costs, health savings account contributions, charitable contributions, contributions to retirement plans
  • Business travel and meal expenses (including a mileage log)
  • Childcare expenses
  • Receipts related to your home, including mortgage and line-of-credit expenses, repair and renovation expenses, real estate and school taxes (not all of these will be deductible, but they may help reduce your basis when you sell your home)
  • Any receipts related to a home purchase or sale
  • Receipts related to life events like marriages, divorces, births and deaths
tax planning

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3. Review Your Investment Strategy

Short-term investments (those held 12 months or less) don’t get special treatment, but long-term investments (those held longer than one year) are typically taxed less.

4. Review Your Charitable Contribution Strategy

If you make large contributions, it may make sense to alternate the years in which you make the contribution so you can exceed the threshold for the standard deduction.

5. Evaluate Tax Credits

Consider whether you’re eligible for any tax credits so you can take full advantage of them. Tax credits are important because they are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of taxes you owe. These credits may be refundable or nonrefundable. Refundable tax credits can reduce your tax liability below zero, while a nonrefundable credit cannot.

6. Review Your Estate Plan

No one knows what is going to happen in the future. TCJA changed many deductions related to gifts and estates; take this time to review the changes and make sure your estate plan reflects your wishes and is current. Keep in mind that some of the provisions now in effect are due to sunset in 2025.

If you need help preparing for your future taxes, schedule a consultation with us today.

©2019

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Not Filing Anti-Money Laundering Forms Could Cost You $10,000 or More

Filing anti-money laundering forms may be applicable to you. To not be penalized, learn more about what forms are involved and how to file them.

Without realizing it, each U.S. taxpayer provides anti-money laundering information to the IRS each year.

How?

At the bottom of Schedule B, there is a question asking if you have a financial interest in or signature authority over a financial account in a foreign country – yes or no. This question explores whether the taxpayer has an anti-money laundering obligation.

Even an account at a non-U.S. crypto exchange is considered a foreign financial account that must be reported.

READ MORE: Do I Need My Crypto Taxes Fixed?

Reporting Your Anti-Money Laundering Forms

Foreign financial accounts are reported on two forms. The first is called FinCEN Form 114 (nicknamed FBAR). The second is IRS Form 8938. Also reported on Form 8938 are all financial transactions like buying or selling/exchanging cryptos.

TAX TIP: I usually aggregate the totals of all transactions instead of itemizing them.

The FBAR form is technically not an IRS form, but the IRS is responsible for administering the collection of the form. Click here for the latest version of the FBAR form and the system for filing and submitting it.

Click here to access Form 8938 if it is not supported by your tax software. This form is filed with the 1040 tax return form.

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Both of these forms are usually due on tax day, April 15th, or on October 15th if you properly filed an extension. Failure to file these forms on time is an automatic $10,000 penalty per form.

The only way to avoid this penalty if you haven’t filed these for past tax years is to file using tax amnesty.

Learn about how to do the tax amnesty process with our Crypto Tax Fixer Package.

Learn More Now

Not Sure If Your Taxes Need Fixed?

Take our crypto tax health check now. 

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9 Important Things to Know About Blockchain

Blockchain is to bitcoin what the Internet is to e-mail. Even if you’re not ready to use digital currency, you can benefit from understanding this new technology.

Technology is changing at such a fast pace that it can be difficult to keep track of everything in the news. Some of those technologies will survive, others will be reconfigured and still others will fail.

Some Background On Blockchain

Blockchain is one technology that will continue to thrive. It has been around since 2008, when it was first introduced along with bitcoin, a digital currency (aka a cryptocurrency).

Despite some glitches along the way, both blockchain and bitcoin have flourished since they were first introduced, and both have become relevant to many industries, including health care, insurance and transportation.

Unlike Bitcoin, however, which has been joined by a number of other alternative currencies, blockchain remains the main underpinning of all of them as well as of other applications.

How Blockchain Works

At a time in which data management and security has become a primary concern of all business sectors, blockchain has emerged as a safe way to digitally record and memorialize financial transactions without needing centralized third-party authentication.

Bitcoin still is the leading digital currency. Like the paper money and coins, bitcoin’s value stems from the fact that it can be used to buy goods and services. Bitcoin (or any other digital currency) and blockchain work together. Here are nine things you need to know:

  1. A digital file called a “ledger” is used to keep track of your bitcoin.
  2. Your ledger is distributed across a network of private computers (called “nodes”).
  3. Every time you initiate a transaction, every node in the network is notified so it can update the balance in your ledger using your public key.
  4. Blockchain does not keep track of your balance; it only tracks the transactions you make.
  5. Your bitcoins are kept in a “wallet” that is encrypted with a specific public key as well as an encrypted private key. Only you can use your private key to encrypt and decrypt your transactions.
  6. You can have as many wallets as you wish. Each has its own private and public keys.
  7. Every time you use your private key you generate a digital signature, and blockchain uses that signature to verify your transaction. This signature changes every time you initiate or change a transaction. This makes it impossible to change a recorded transaction.
  8. Transactions are grouped into blocks. Each block contains a set number of transactions and a link to the previous block.
  9. The blocks are organized in a time-related chain and connected through cryptography that relies on special mathematical functions and codes. Every transaction in each unique block is considered to have happened at the same time.

Benefits Of Blockchain

Blockchain has many benefits, including the following:

  • Value (bitcoin or another cryptocurrency) can be transferred within a few minutes and secure within a few hours.
  • Transactions are transparent because anyone can verify any transaction at any time by following its trail along the blockchain.
  • Transactions are private: only you have the private key to your wallet.

Also consider the following:

  • No centralized entity oversees the transactions, so there is no help desk to call if you need help. You alone control your account. Transactions are not secured by an entity like the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. If something goes wrong and your digital currency is somehow diverted from your account, you have no recourse.
  • The value of bitcoin and other digital currencies is volatile. Their value isn’t controlled by an entity like the Federal Reserve or the World Bank, which means their value is not as stable as traditional currency.

The growth and evolution of blockchain technology over the past 11 years or so is impressive. To discuss how it may continue to evolve, contact us today.

©2019

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Do I Need My Crypto Taxes Fixed?

Wondering if you need your crypto taxes fixed? Take our downloadable crypto tax health check so you know if your crypto taxes need surgery or not.

Do I need my crypto taxes fixed? Should I fix my tax return to report my cryptos better? Those are the questions that many traders are asking now that the IRS compliance campaign has begun sending letters to traders. For many traders, it was the first time they ever did any investing. Reporting these investments on their taxes was a new awakening for them.

So it is time to do a health check. It makes sense. Every year you go to a doctor to have your body signs checked for hidden problems. We can do the same thing with your tax return.

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