This blog post uses “Bitcoin” in the title that actually could refer to all types of virtual currency. On December 23, 2020 the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) issued a notice of proposed rules that would require money service businesses (“MSBs”) to keep records and submit reports that verify the identity of customers involved in […]
This blog post is based on a presumption and projection of a proposed rule that may be modified delayed or cancelled. In other words this is a warning of ‘worst case’ impact on us based on the latest available information, Until now an owner of virtual currency had no obligation to disclose those holdings to […]
Many cyber currency owners believe that if they didn’t receive any cash then there is no tax due now. IRS disagrees and will let them know! Even a “fork” in your cyser currency now triggers immediate tax under current IRS rules. Owing tax without receiving any real benefit strikes many as unfair and the Virtual […]
The just-released draft copy of Form 1040 Schedule 1 that starts off with the question: “At any time during 2019, did you receive, sell, send, exchange, or otherwise acquire any financial interest in any virtual currency?” I’m sure much discussion will follow about the potential consequences of answering with a false negative. Responding with an affirmative, […]
I’ve written a series of posts on the theme that investors have good reason for concern about cryptocurrency investments. The latest concern is Tether. Here’s what we know: Tether is the second largest cryptocurrency behind Bitcoin. Tether claims to be backed by US dollars, therefore eliminating market value fluctuation risk. Despite its massive market trading […]
The AICPA co-published a new report on blockchain that is written primarily by accountants at Deloitte & Touche LLP. The report covers a range of issues from introduction of concept to a call for action for CPAs. It is not an accounting standards publication but rather a white paper on the issue of blockchain. The decentralized […]
Scams always require two components: the media and the message. CPAs are indoctrinated with specific education and are required to maintain an attitude of “professional skepticism”. As a result, I tend to be more likely to notice and document emerging dangerous trends. Based on this experience, I’ve covered online consumer finance scams1 in this blog for […]
Bitcoin is the largest and oldest cryptocurrency so it makes sense that IRS would take enforcement action against these account owners first. Some owners may have heard incorrect information that their transactions were not taxable or that IRS could not get their account information. Both of these are false. IRS announced last year that it […]