Do you or your family hold cryptocurrency? If so, a critical IRS change is coming that you must address by December 31, 2024, to safeguard your ability to manage your crypto tax strategy. Here’s what you need to know about the new rules and how they impact your financial and legacy planning.
What’s Changing?
Starting in 2025, the IRS will require you to track the cost basis of your crypto assets separately for each wallet or account. Previously, you could combine all crypto purchases across wallets and exchanges, using methods like First-In/First-Out (FIFO) or Highest-Cost-First-Out (HCFO) to minimize taxes. Beginning in 2025, each wallet or exchange will be treated as its own account, significantly limiting your tax planning options.
The IRS has introduced a one-time safe harbor that allows investors to allocate cost basis across accounts by the end of 2024. Missing this deadline could result in increased taxes when selling your crypto assets.
Why Does Basis Matter?
Your cost basis is the original purchase price of your crypto. When you sell, you’ll owe capital gains tax on the difference between your basis and the sale price. Tracking this correctly is critical to minimizing taxes owed.
Example: How the New Rule Impacts You
Imagine you bought:
- 2 Bitcoin on Kraken at $50,000 each.
- 2 Bitcoin on Coinbase at $5,000 each.
Under current rules, you could sell the Coinbase Bitcoin and use the higher Kraken cost basis to reduce your taxable gain. Starting in 2025, this will no longer be allowed. Each wallet’s basis must be tracked and taxed independently.
Your Options Before the Deadline
Here are four steps to consider before December 31, 2024, to protect yourself under the new rules:
- Consolidate Accounts
Combine your crypto holdings into a single wallet or account to simplify basis tracking. Allocate unused basis by the deadline and redistribute holdings afterward to reduce risk. - Use Crypto Tax Software
Invest in software that supports wallet-specific cost basis tracking to stay compliant. Ensure you have accurate records for every transaction. - Sell Assets Before 2025
Consider liquidating crypto holdings before the rule change. Apply unused basis to reduce gains, pay taxes, and start fresh under the new system. - Retain Assets and Allocate Basis
Keep your holdings and use the safe harbor to allocate basis before the end of 2024. You’ll need to document your method—such as Highest Cost First—before filing your 2025 tax return.
Why Crypto Matters in Estate Planning
As part of your estate plan, it’s critical to document your crypto assets, their locations, and how to access them. Without this information, your heirs may lose these digital assets forever. At Cheever Law, we specialize in integrating cryptocurrency into your life and legacy planning to ensure your loved ones can benefit from your digital investments.
Additionally, under current tax law, your heirs will receive a step-up in basis at the time of your death. This means that any capital gains from your crypto holdings will be reset to their value on your date of death, minimizing taxes owed when sold.
Steps to Take Now
- Create an inventory of all crypto holdings, including wallet addresses and exchanges.
- Gather purchase records and ensure your basis information is accurate.
- Consider consolidating assets to simplify compliance.
- Review your estate plan to confirm it addresses your crypto under these new rules.
- Schedule a meeting with Cheever Law and your tax advisor to coordinate your strategy.
Protect Your Digital Legacy
At Cheever Law, we understand the unique challenges of planning for digital assets like cryptocurrency. Let us help you integrate your crypto holdings into a comprehensive estate plan that ensures your legacy is protected and your loved ones can access what you’ve worked hard to build.
We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love, starting with a valuable and educational Life & Legacy Planning Session. This will allow you to get more financially organized and make the best choices for the people you love. If you have already completed your estate plan, we will review that plan at your Life & Legacy Planning Session to ensure that it will work the way you intend and address any holes or gaps that may be present if circumstances have changed since you executed your plan.
To learn more about our one-of-a-kind systems and services, contact us or schedule a no-obligation 15-minute introductory phone call today.