Crypto Tax Reporting Guide for US Investors (2026)
Complete cryptocurrency tax reporting guide: Form 8949, Schedule D, mining/staking income treatment, and wash sale rules for crypto.
Summary
Crypto investors face complex tax reporting requirements. This guide explains Form 8949 reporting, cost basis methods, income treatment, and IRS compliance for 2026 filings.
Key Steps
- 1Classify crypto transactions: trades (capital gains), mining/staking (income), airdrops (income).
- 2Track cost basis using FIFO, LIFO, or specific identification method.
- 3Report capital gains/losses on Form 8949 and summarize on Schedule D.
- 4Report mining/staking income as ordinary income on Schedule 1.
- 5Avoid wash sale violations: no repurchase within 30 days of loss sale.