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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a reminder to taxpayers about the upcoming tax filing extension deadline. This extension is particularly significant for individuals and businesses involved in cryptocurrency transactions, as it provides additional time to ensure compliance with tax regulations. 

This article will delve into the details of the October 16th extension, its implications for crypto holders, and how you can ensure seamless crypto tax filing.

Understanding the Tax Extension

The standard deadline for filing your tax returns in the United States is April 15. However, there are instances where you can request a tax extension, granting you additional time to file the returns without incurring penalties. 

The October 16th extension is one such provision, specifically designed to accommodate taxpayers who need extra time to ensure their filings are accurate and complete.

It is not an automatic extension and must be requested. However, it provides a significant buffer, allowing taxpayers to complete all paperwork and ensure compliance.

Who is Eligible?

Those who requested an extension to file their 2022 tax return should file their Form 1040 on or before Monday, Oct. 16.

Taxpayers residing in disaster-affected areas, as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), are granted additional time to file their tax returns and make tax payments. The specifics are as follows:

• California, Alabama, and Georgia Residents: Taxpayers in most parts of these states have until October 16, 2023, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.
• Illinois and Alaska Flood Victims: Those affected by flooding have an extended deadline until October 31, 2023.
• Vermont Flood Victims: The deadline for these taxpayers is extended to November 15, 2023.
• Victims of Maui Fires and Hurricane Idalia: Residents in the affected counties of Maui, Hawaii, Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia have until February 24, 2024, to file their individual and business tax returns.

Members of the military and others serving in combat zones are typically granted 180 days after leaving the combat zone to file their tax returns and pay any taxes due. This extension ensures that those who are serving the country under challenging conditions have ample time to manage their tax obligations without penalties.

Taxable Events to Consider

The IRS treats cryptocurrencies as property for tax purposes. Here are some of the taxable events that you must know:

• Selling Cryptocurrencies: If you sell cryptocurrency for more than what you paid, you incur a capital gain.
• Trading Cryptocurrencies: Capital gains tax may apply when trading one cryptocurrency for another or selling crypto for fiat currency.
• Mining: Cryptocurrency received from mining is considered taxable income.
• Staking: Earnings from staking coins are also considered taxable income.
• Airdrops and Forks: New coins received from airdrops or forks may be subject to income tax.

Documents Required

Reporting cryptocurrency on tax returns requires detailed information on all transactions and activities. Essential documents and information include:

• Transaction Histories: Detailed records of all cryptocurrency transactions, including dates, amounts, and the involved parties.
• Capital Gains and Losses: Documentation of the realized capital gains or losses from the sale or exchange of cryptocurrencies.
• Income from Mining or Staking: Records of income earned from mining or staking, including the fair market value of the cryptocurrency at the time of receipt.

Organizing and maintaining comprehensive records is important for accurate reporting and can also facilitate the process in case of an IRS audit.

How to Report?

Report your cryptocurrency on tax returns using the following steps:

1. Gather Comprehensive Records: Compile detailed records of all cryptocurrency transactions and activities throughout the tax year.

2. Calculate Capital Gains and Losses: Determine the capital gains or losses incurred from the sale or exchange of cryptocurrencies. This requires information on the cost basis and the sale price.

3. Complete the Appropriate IRS Forms:

• Form 8949: Used to report sales and exchanges of capital assets, including cryptocurrencies.
• Schedule D (Form 1040): Used to report overall capital gains and losses.

4. Include Cryptocurrency Income: Report income from mining, staking, airdrops, or forks on the appropriate sections of the tax return, depending on the nature of the income.

IRS Free File and Online Resources

The IRS Free File is available until October 16 and allows qualified taxpayers to prepare and file federal income tax returns online using guided tax preparation software. It is accessible to anyone with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $73,000 or less in 2022.

For those with an AGI greater than $73,000, IRS Free File Fillable Forms are available for preparing their own tax return.

Simplify Crypto Taxes with Kryptos

As the deadline approaches, crypto holders should ensure their tax filings are accurate and compliant with IRS regulations. 

Kryptos emerges as a reliable platform, offering tailored solutions for crypto tax filing. It simplifies calculating and filing taxes on cryptocurrency transactions, ensuring that you meet the IRS’s requirements within the extended deadline.

Simply add your wallet and exchanges to the platform in just a few clicks. Kryptos leverages the best cost basis method to calculate your taxes, ensure savings and lets you generate pre-filled crypto tax reports.

Want to get started? Sign Up on Kryptos for free.

FAQs

1. What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Missing the October 16th deadline triggers a 5% monthly failure-to-file penalty. File on time, even if you can't pay, as the late filing penalty is much higher than the late payment penalty (0.5% per month). A day late results in a 5% increase in what you owe.

2. Is the Deadline at Midnight?
The October 16th deadline falls at midnight in your local time zone. For electronic filers, it's advisable to submit your return a bit before midnight to account for potential high traffic on the IRS website or other electronic filing platforms. If you're using postal mail, it's crucial to ensure that your return is postmarked by October 16th. It's also a wise precaution to obtain a receipt or confirmation to provide proof of timely submission.

3. What About State Extensions?
Several states grant an automatic extension for state tax filing if you've obtained a federal extension. Nonetheless, this policy doesn't apply uniformly across all states, making it crucial to consult your state tax authority for precise information. Similar to a federal extension, in most states, you are typically obligated to settle any outstanding taxes by the original due date, regardless of whether you've secured an extension. Neglecting to file or pay state taxes punctually may lead to interest charges and penalties.

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All content on Kryptos serves general informational purposes only. It's not intended to replace any professional advice from licensed accountants, attorneys, or certified financial and tax professionals. The information is completed to the best of our knowledge and we at Kryptos do not claim either correctness or accuracy of the same. Before taking any tax position / stance, you should always consider seeking independent legal, financial, taxation or other advice from the professionals. Kryptos is not liable for any loss caused from the use of, or by placing reliance on, the information on this website. Kryptos disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of any positions taken by you in your tax returns. Thank you for being part of our community, and we're excited to continue guiding you on your crypto journey!