02/12/2026
Digital Assets & Tax Season: A Few Important Reminders You Don’t Want to Miss
As tax season gets underway, many taxpayers are starting to receive their 2025 tax documents, W-2s, Forms 1099, and other income statements. If you bought, sold, or otherwise disposed of digital assets during the year, there’s an important update that you need to be aware of.
For the first time, some taxpayers may receive a Form 1099-DA, a new information return used by brokers to report certain digital asset transactions to the IRS.
What counts as a digital asset?
Digital assets aren’t limited to Bitcoin anymore. The IRS definition includes:
• Cryptocurrencies and convertible virtual currencies (like Bitcoin)
• Stablecoins
• Nonfungible tokens (NFTs)
If you used a broker to sell or dispose of digital assets, that broker is required to send you a copy of Form 1099-DA by February 17, 2026, matching what they report to the IRS.
One key catch: Cost basis may be missing
Unlike some other tax forms, most 2025 Forms 1099-DA will not include your cost basis. That means taxpayers will need to calculate their own basis to determine whether they have a gain or loss on the transaction.
This is an important shift and one that could easily be overlooked. Be sure to be vigilant, especially if you’ve had multiple transactions across platforms.
No form doesn’t mean no reporting
Even if you don’t receive a Form 1099-DA, you’re still required to report all digital asset income, gains, or losses on your tax return. The reporting obligation exists whether a form shows up in your mailbox or not.
Don’t forget the digital asset question
When filing your return, every taxpayer must answer the digital asset question “yes” or “no”, even if they didn’t transact during the year. The IRS has provided a questionnaire to help taxpayers determine the correct response, and it’s worth taking a moment to answer carefully.
Bottom line
Digital asset reporting continues to evolve, and this new form is another step toward increased visibility and compliance. If you’ve been active in crypto, NFTs, or other digital assets, now is the time to:
• Gather transaction records
• Understand your cost basis
• Review reporting requirements before filing
If digital assets are part of your financial picture, make sure they’re part of your tax planning too. Need help understanding how to handle your digital assets for this upcoming tax season- let’s talk!