We have all heard of Bitcoin and Ethereum – cryptocurrencies that fall under the broader category of virtual currencies. But what exactly is virtual currency? According to FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network), virtual currency is a “medium of exchange that operates like a currency in some environments, but does not have all the attributes of real currency.” Notably, virtual currencies do not have legal tender status in any country or tax jurisdiction. The ECB (European Central Bank) defines virtual currency as “a type of unregulated, digital money, which is issued and usually controlled by its developers, and used and accepted among the members of a specific virtual community.” From these definitions, it is clear that cryptocurrencies and virtual currencies lack legal tender status and are not issued by central banks anywhere. Yet, they are used as a form of electronic currency, with payments made and accepted across the virtual world.
The Emergence of Virtual Currencies/Cryptocurrencies
In 2008, Satoshi Nakamoto announced the invention of a “Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System,” marking the origin of Bitcoin. Cryptocurrencies are essentially digital assets that use strong cryptography to ensure secure exchanges and operate on blockchain technology and related protocols. Without delving into the complexities of blockchain technology and the transactional process of origin and transfer of cryptocurrencies, it is important to note that with the birth of Bitcoin and its use in the virtual world, tax jurisdictions and financial regulators realized they had another medium of exchange on hand that would require regulation.
Regulatory and Tax Implications
Cryptocurrency transactions themselves cannot be regulated since no central bank or other agency monitors their use. However, as another form of income, they do have tax implications. More and more tax jurisdictions are developing rules for taxing virtual wealth. In October 2019, the IRS issued a new Revenue Ruling – 2019-24, which provides guidance on the treatment of specific events associated with cryptocurrencies.
The IRS has also made changes to tax forms to address virtual currency transactions. On Schedule 1 of Form 1040, a new checkbox question has been added: “At any time during [the tax year], did you receive, sell, send, exchange, or otherwise acquire any financial interest in any virtual currency?” This simple “Yes”/”No” question allows the IRS to track owners of cryptocurrency accounts and their virtual wealth. It is important to note that even if a taxpayer has no other reason to attach Schedule 1 to Form 1040, they must do so if they own cryptocurrency accounts.
Conclusion
The rise of virtual currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum has introduced new dynamics into the financial world. While these currencies are not recognized as legal tender and operate outside the control of central banks, their use as a medium of exchange has significant tax implications. As regulations continue to evolve, it is crucial for accountants and their clients to stay informed and compliant with the latest guidelines to ensure proper reporting and taxation of virtual currency transactions.