Crypto tax FAQ | Robinhood

Crypto tax FAQ

Am I required to report crypto trades to the IRS?

Generally, per IRS guidelines, virtual currency is treated as property and general tax principles applicable to property transactions apply to transactions using virtual currency. When you sell virtual currency, you must recognize any capital gain or loss on the sale, subject to any limitations on the deductibility of capital losses. If you sold crypto or received rewards of $600 or more in the tax year, you will receive a Form 1099 from Robinhood for this tax season.

Robinhood doesn’t provide tax advice and you should consult a tax professional regarding any specific questions you have regarding taxes owed in connection with crypto transactions.

Crypto cost basis

Cost basis is used to calculate capital gains taxes, and it’s typically the amount that you paid when buying an asset or the value determined at the time of receipt or transaction.

To help file your tax returns, we’ll provide the cost basis information (if available). Availability depends on where you acquired the crypto:

  • If purchased through Robinhood, we have and will provide the cost basis information.
  • If received from Robinhood as a reward, we’ll use a cost basis calculated as the fair market value at the time of receipt.
  • If purchased at a different provider and transferred to Robinhood, we won’t have the cost basis because this information isn’t sent when transferring crypto.

In instances where we don’t have the cost basis, it’s your responsibility to calculate and report the proper cost basis on your tax return.

When you sell or withdraw crypto, tax lots will be closed using the First in, First out (FIFO) valuation method. This means the first coins you acquire (either through deposits or purchases) are used first (either through sales or withdrawals). An exception to this rule is when you have tax lots with a cost basis of zero (0) (i.e., from transfers into Robinhood). In this case, tax lots with an unknown or zero (0) cost basis will be closed first before applying the FIFO methodology.

Keep in mind

Currently, gross proceeds shown in the Robinhood Crypto 1099-B and rewards shown in the Robinhood Crypto 1099-MISC (if greater than $600) are reported to the IRS.

Where can I find official IRS guidance on crypto?

On August 25, 2023, the IRS unveiled its proposed regulations regarding cryptocurrency taxes. Once these regulations are finalized, we'll promptly incorporate and adhere to the implemented guidelines while making any changes that may be necessary at that time.

Here are 2 sources for official IRS guidance on virtual currencies:

How does a crypto merge or hard-fork affect my 1099?

A reportable 1099 transaction may occur for a merge or hard-fork, there's a protocol change, and you receive a new cryptocurrency. However, there were no merge or hard-fork events for this tax year for any of the coins we support.

When is the year-end cutoff for crypto trades?

The year-end cutoff for crypto trades with Robinhood Crypto, LLC is 11:59 PM UTC on December 31 for this tax year.

Disclosures

Robinhood doesn’t provide tax advice. For specific questions, you should consult a tax professional.

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Brokerage services are offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, (“RHF”) a registered broker dealer (member SIPC), and clearing services through Robinhood Securities, LLC, (“RHS”) a registered broker dealer (member SIPC).

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RHF, RHY, RHC, RCT, RHG, and RHS are affiliated entities and wholly owned subsidiaries of Robinhood Markets, Inc. RHF, RHY, RHC, RCT, RHG, and RHS are not banks. Investing products offered by RHF are not FDIC insured and involve risk, including possible loss of principal.

RHY is not a member of FINRA, and products are not subject to SIPC protection, but funds held in the Robinhood spending account and Robinhood Cash Card account may be eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance (review the Robinhood Cash Card Agreement and the Robinhood Spending Account Agreement).

Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all customers. Customers must read and understand the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before engaging in any options trading strategies. Options transactions are often complex and may involve the potential of losing the entire investment in a relatively short period of time. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk, including the potential for losses that may exceed the original investment amount.

The risk of loss in trading futures can be substantial. Carefully consider if it’s appropriate for you in light of your financial circumstances. Please read the Futures Risk Disclosure Statement prior to trading futures products. Futures accounts are not protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) and are not Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured. Prior to trading virtual currency Futures products, please review the NFA Investor Advisory & CFTC Advisory providing more information on these potentially significant risks. Futures trading and options on futures trading are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC (“RHD”), a registered futures commission merchant with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and Member of National Futures Association (NFA) (NFA ID 0424278).

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All Investing involves risk.

Brokerage services are offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, (“RHF”) a registered broker dealer (member SIPC), and clearing services through Robinhood Securities, LLC, (“RHS”) a registered broker dealer (member SIPC).

Cryptocurrency services are offered through an account with Robinhood Crypto, LLC (“RHC”) (NMLS ID: 1702840).Robinhood Crypto is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Please review a list of RHC's licenses for more information. Cryptocurrency held through Robinhood Crypto is not FDIC insured or SIPC protected.

The Robinhood spending account is offered through Robinhood Money, LLC (“RHY”) (NMLS ID: 1990968), a licensed money transmitter. Please review a list of our licenses for more information.

The Robinhood Cash Card is a prepaid card issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard® International Incorporated. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Robinhood Gold Card is subject to credit approval and underwriting. Robinhood Gold Card is offered by Robinhood Credit, Inc., and is issued by Coastal Community Bank, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Robinhood Credit, Inc. (“RCT”), is a financial technology company, not a bank.

Robinhood Gold is a subscription-based membership program of premium services offered through Robinhood Gold, LLC (“RHG”).

RHF, RHY, RHC, RCT, RHG, and RHS are affiliated entities and wholly owned subsidiaries of Robinhood Markets, Inc. RHF, RHY, RHC, RCT, RHG, and RHS are not banks. Investing products offered by RHF are not FDIC insured and involve risk, including possible loss of principal.

RHY is not a member of FINRA, and products are not subject to SIPC protection, but funds held in the Robinhood spending account and Robinhood Cash Card account may be eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance (review the Robinhood Cash Card Agreement and the Robinhood Spending Account Agreement).

Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all customers. Customers must read and understand the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before engaging in any options trading strategies. Options transactions are often complex and may involve the potential of losing the entire investment in a relatively short period of time. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk, including the potential for losses that may exceed the original investment amount.

The risk of loss in trading futures can be substantial. Carefully consider if it’s appropriate for you in light of your financial circumstances. Please read the Futures Risk Disclosure Statement prior to trading futures products. Futures accounts are not protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) and are not Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured. Prior to trading virtual currency Futures products, please review the NFA Investor Advisory & CFTC Advisory providing more information on these potentially significant risks. Futures trading and options on futures trading are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC (“RHD”), a registered futures commission merchant with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and Member of National Futures Association (NFA) (NFA ID 0424278).

RO 3924940

Robinhood, 85 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025.© 2024 Robinhood. All rights reserved.