With the explosive rise and fall of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency prices over the last year, you may be sitting on some sizable capital gains or losses. But whether you're a cryptocurrency trader or a more traditional stock trader, it's important to know how to properly declare and report your capital gains and losses to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) come tax time.
Here's what to know about declaring your capital gains and losses when using Form 8949.
What is Form 8949?
Form 8949 is used to report capital gains and losses from the sale, exchange, or disposal of certain types of assets. This includes stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, as well as cryptocurrency transactions.
Traders have special considerations around tax time, including Form 8949 and Section 1256 contracts. Here are some instructions for tackling these forms.
Section 1256 contracts are a type of investment that includes futures contracts, options, and certain other derivatives. Traders of Section 1256 contracts are subject to special tax rules that can affect how they report their gains and losses on Form 8949.
If you sold a stock, regardless of whether you made or lost money on it, you have to file Schedule D. This form can be a hassle, but it's important to get it right to avoid any issues with the IRS.
What about cryptocurrency transactions?
Crypto losses can be deducted from your taxes or income at up $3000 a year. But you can carry the losses forward in future tax years. Keep in mind that the IRS treats cryptocurrency as property, so transactions may be subject to capital gains taxes.
Reporting crypto transactions on your taxes is more important than ever, experts say. Here's how to do it right.
So you've realized a profit on your investments? Buckle up and get ready to report your transactions to the IRS. But there may be some tax breaks available to you if you qualify for trader tax status (TTS).
Trader tax status (TTS) is the ticket to tax savings. If you qualify, you can claim some tax breaks, such as business expenses, that aren't available to individual investors.
If you sold stock, crypto, or other assets this year you should expect to receive a 1099 form from your brokerage or exchange. This form will help you report your transactions on Form 8949.
In summary, traders need to be aware of the special considerations and instructions for using Form 8949 to report their capital gains and losses. Whether you're trading stocks or cryptocurrency, it's important to get it right to avoid any issues with the IRS. And if you qualify for trader tax status, you may be able to claim some tax breaks that can help you save even more.
