Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Ultimate Guide to Crypto Taxes in the US 2026: How to Pay Taxes on Cryptocurrency

 

crypto taxes in the US 2026



In the dynamic landscape of digital assets, mastering crypto taxes in the US 2026 is vital for investors, traders, and enthusiasts. As cryptocurrency continues to integrate into mainstream finance, the IRS has ramped up enforcement, treating crypto as property for tax purposes. Whether you're holding Bitcoin, trading Ethereum, or earning from DeFi protocols, understanding how to pay taxes on cryptocurrency in the US can prevent costly penalties and optimize your returns. This in-depth guide explores the technical and financial intricacies of cryptocurrency taxation in the US, including taxable events, calculation strategies, reporting forms, and cutting-edge tools. With new broker reporting rules via Form 1099-DA kicking in for 2025 transactions (filed in 2026), compliance is more critical than ever.Why Crypto Taxes Matter in the US: A Tech and Finance LensCryptocurrency leverages blockchain technology for secure, decentralized transactions, enabling innovations like smart contracts on Ethereum and NFTs on platforms like Solana. From a monetary perspective, crypto taxes in the US directly affect your portfolio's profitability—gains are taxable, but losses can offset other income, improving your financial position. The IRS classifies crypto as property under Notice 2014-21, meaning disposals trigger capital gains taxes.In 2026, non-compliance can result in audits, penalties up to 75% for fraud, or even criminal charges. Technologically, blockchain's transparency aids IRS tracking via tools like Chainalysis, but wallet privacy and cross-chain activities complicate record-keeping. Financially, strategic crypto tax planning in the US—such as tax-loss harvesting—can reduce your effective tax rate, freeing up capital for reinvestment.Key 2026 insights: Over 50 million Americans own crypto, per surveys, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act mandates broker reporting starting with 2025 sales, enhancing IRS oversight.Taxable Events: When Do You Owe Crypto Taxes in the US?The IRS taxes "dispositions" of crypto, where value is realized. Identifying taxable events in cryptocurrency is essential for accurate reporting.Taxable Crypto Transactions

  • Selling Crypto for Fiat: Converting BTC to USD on exchanges like Coinbase realizes capital gains based on the difference between sale price and cost basis.
  • Crypto-to-Crypto Trades: Swapping altcoins (e.g., ETH for USDT on Uniswap) is taxable, using fair market value (FMV) at the trade time.
  • Using Crypto for Purchases: Spending crypto via payment processors like BitPay triggers taxes on appreciation.
  • Mining and Staking Rewards: Income from proof-of-work (PoW) mining or proof-of-stake (PoS) staking is ordinary income at FMV upon receipt, plus self-employment taxes if it's a business.
  • DeFi Yields and Airdrops: Earnings from yield farming on Aave or free airdrops are taxable as ordinary income when controllable.
  • NFT Sales and Royalties: Disposing of NFTs or receiving creator royalties incurs capital gains or ordinary income taxes, with blockchain metadata aiding valuation.
Non-Taxable Crypto Activities
  • Buying Crypto with Fiat: Acquiring with USD isn't taxable—it's establishing a cost basis.
  • Holding (HODLing): Storing in hardware wallets like Trezor doesn't trigger taxes until sale.
  • Wallet Transfers: Self-transfers between wallets (e.g., exchange to personal) are non-taxable.
  • Gifting Crypto: Gifts under $18,000 (2025 annual exclusion) are exempt, but large gifts may require Form 709.
Tech tip: Use explorers like Blockchain.com to track transaction IDs. Financially, hold assets over a year to qualify for lower long-term rates, a key strategy in volatile markets.Calculating Your Crypto Taxes: Methods and FormulasHow to calculate crypto taxes in the US requires tracking cost basis and gains. The IRS allows FIFO (First-In-First-Out), LIFO (Last-In-First-Out), or Specific Identification, but consistency is key.Step-by-Step Calculation
  1. Establish Cost Basis: Include purchase price plus fees (e.g., gas fees on Ethereum) in USD, using historical rates from APIs like CoinGecko.
  2. Determine FMV: Use USD value at the exact time of disposition from reputable sources.
  3. Compute Gains/Losses: Gain = FMV - Adjusted cost basis. Short-term (<1 year) taxed at ordinary rates; long-term (>1 year) at preferential rates.
  4. Offset and Carry Forward: Losses offset gains; excess can offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income, with unlimited carryforward.
Example: Bought 1 BTC for $40,000 in 2024; sold for $60,000 in 2025 after holding >1 year. Long-term gain = $20,000. Tax at 15% (assuming bracket) = $3,000.Advanced tech: Integrate exchange APIs with scripts in Python (using libraries like pandas) for automated FIFO calculations. For 2026 filings (2025 taxes), brokers will report gross proceeds on 1099-DA; basis reporting starts for 2026 acquisitions.Alternative Strategies
  • Wash Sale Rule: Doesn't apply to crypto, allowing immediate repurchases after losses.
  • Like-Kind Exchanges: No longer valid post-2017 TCJA.
  • Donations: Donate appreciated crypto to charities for FMV deductions without realizing gains.
Financial optimization: Use Specific ID to select high-basis lots, minimizing taxable gains in high-volatility assets.Tax Rates, Exemptions, and Additional Levies in 2026For tax year 2025 (filed in 2026):
  • Short-Term Capital Gains: Taxed as ordinary income (10-37% based on brackets).
  • Long-Term Capital Gains: 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on income (e.g., 0% for singles under $47,025).
  • Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT): 3.8% on gains if MAGI exceeds $200,000 (single).
  • Self-Employment Tax: Up to 15.3% on mining/staking if considered a trade.
  • State Taxes: Vary; e.g., California taxes as income (up to 13.3%), while states like Texas have no income tax.
No federal VAT on crypto, but sales tax may apply to certain transactions. For non-residents, US-sourced crypto income may be taxable.
Filing Status
Short-Term Rates (Ordinary Income)
Long-Term Rates
Single
10-37%
0-20%
Married Joint
10-37%
0-20%
Reporting and Filing Crypto Taxes in the US: Forms and DeadlinesHow to report cryptocurrency taxes in the US is self-reported, with increased scrutiny via 1099 forms.Key Forms
  • Form 8949: Detail each transaction's gains/losses.
  • Schedule D: Summarize totals for Form 1040.
  • Form 1040 Schedule 1: Report crypto income (e.g., mining).
  • Form 1099-DA: New for 2025 sales; brokers like Coinbase report gross proceeds (basis added for 2026+).
Filing Deadlines
  • Individual Returns: April 15, 2026 (for 2025 taxes); extensions to October 15.
  • Estimated Payments: Quarterly if expecting >$1,000 owed.
Tech tool: E-file via IRS Free File or software with digital signatures. Financial advice: Hire a CPA for complex DeFi activities to avoid audits.Best Tools and Software for Crypto Tax Management in the USHarness technology for crypto tax software in the US. These integrate with blockchains and wallets for seamless compliance.
Tool
Features
Pricing
US-Specific
CoinLedger
API sync, 1099-DA support, loss harvesting
$49-$299/year
Yes, IRS forms export
TokenTax
DeFi analytics, NFT tracking
$65-$3,500/year
Handles NIIT calculations
TurboTax Crypto
Integrated filing, airdrop valuation
$0-$89
Direct IRS e-file
Koinly
Multi-chain support, FIFO/LIFO options
€49-€199/year
US tax reports
Money tip: Simulate scenarios to optimize for long-term rates, potentially saving thousands.Advanced Topics: Tech Innovations and Financial Strategies
  • Blockchain Analytics: Use tools like Dune for DeFi transaction logs.
  • DeFi Tax Nuances: Track impermanent losses in liquidity pools; IRS may classify some yields as ordinary income.
  • Tax Optimization: Relocate to low-tax states or use Roth IRAs for crypto (if eligible).
  • 2026 Updates: With 1099-DA basis reporting, expect easier compliance but stricter enforcement; prepare for potential stablecoin regs.
For expats, FATCA requires reporting foreign holdings over $50,000.Conclusion: Navigating Crypto Taxes for Optimal Financial OutcomesTackling crypto taxes in the US 2026 combines blockchain tech with savvy financial planning. By grasping how to pay taxes on cryptocurrency, leveraging advanced tools, and employing strategies like long-term holding, you can minimize taxes and enhance gains. Stay ahead with IRS.gov updates, as regulations evolve. For tailored guidance, consult tax professionals—empower your crypto journey in this decentralized financial revolution.This guide arms you with essentials for cryptocurrency taxation in the US. Verify with official sources for the latest.

Monday, January 19, 2026

Blockchain Council Announces Community Partnership with Unchained Summit Dubai 2026

 

 
unchained summit dubai 2026
  • Michael Willson
  • January 19, 2026

Blockchain Council is excited to announce its role as Community Partner for Unchained Summit Dubai 2026, a global Web3 and Blockchain conference taking place on 1–2 May 2026 in W Dubai, the Palm. The summit positions itself as a high impact meeting point for builders, investors, enterprises, and policymakers shaping the future of decentralized technologies.

With Dubai continuing to establish itself as a global blockchain hub, Unchained Summit Dubai 2026 is expected to attract a strong international audience focused on real adoption, innovation, and long term growth.

 
 
 

What to Expect at Unchained Summit Dubai 2026

Attendees can expect two days of focused discussions, curated networking, and deal driven conversations. The event format emphasizes quality over scale, with structured investor founder meetings, closed door roundtables, and deep dive panels designed for practical outcomes.

Core topics include institutional blockchain adoption, real world asset tokenization, DeFi evolution, AI and Web3 integration, compliance, and global regulatory frameworks.

Notable Speakers and Industry Voices

The summit will feature a strong lineup of founders, executives, and thought leaders from across the Blockchain ecosystem. Early announced speakers include leaders from Trust Wallet, NEAR Foundation, Blockdaemon, Coinbase Asset Management, Animoca Brands, Coin Bureau, and regional blockchain authorities.

More speakers from infrastructure providers, investment firms, enterprises, and policy organizations are expected to be announced closer to the event.

Why Attend

Unchained Summit Dubai 2026 is for professionals who want more than surface level conversations. Reasons to attend include:

  • Direct access to global investors and decision makers
  • Insights into institutional and enterprise blockchain use cases
  • Clear perspectives on regulation and compliance across regions
  • High quality networking with founders, developers, and executives
  • Exposure to emerging trends shaping the next phase of Web3

Blockchain Council’s Role as Community Partner

As Community Partner, Blockchain Council will actively support the summit. The council will do so by engaging its global network of Blockchain professionals, learners, and industry leaders. The partnership aims to amplify knowledge sharing, encourage meaningful collaboration, and help attendees gain practical value from the event.

Blockchain Council’s involvement aligns with its mission to advance blockchain education and support responsible adoption worldwide.

Looking Ahead

The collaboration between Blockchain Council and Unchained Summit Dubai 2026 signals a shared vision for building a stronger, more informed Web3 ecosystem. Additional announcements around community initiatives, sessions, and engagement opportunities will come later to lead up to the summit.

Blockchain Council invites its community and partners to join this landmark event. It’s your chance to be a part of the conversations defining the future of Blockchain and Web3.

Source www.blockchain-council.org/events/blockchain-...

Friday, January 16, 2026

Transform Your Marketing and Communication Strategy with The Push and The Boost at Markethive.

 



Markethive is engineered to deliver a comprehensive, cohesive digital marketing framework, equipping modern entrepreneurs with unparalleled reach and diverse opportunities, all seamlessly integrated into the proprietary Markethive ecosystem. Key to this approach are the currently integrated "Boost" system and the forthcoming "Push" system. Together, the Boost and Push systems form a dynamic duo, offering entrepreneurs a complete spectrum of digital marketing capabilities, all managed and executed within the unified, entrepreneur-centric Markethive platform.

These systems, inspired by Facebook's Boost function, are a core element of the Markethive ecosystem. They are designed to significantly amplify your marketing reach among Markethive subscribers, offering immense potential to boost brand awareness, drive conversions, and increase engagement.

However, Markethive operates on a principle of complete, organic reach, fundamentally distinguishing it from the restrictive models of mainstream social media platforms. Its standard news feed already ensures that every one of your posts is delivered directly to the news feeds of 100% of your friends and all members of your associated groups. This core feature eliminates the artificial constraints and commercial pressures that dominate other platforms.

Crucially, Markethive is designed without the restrictive, often opaque algorithms used by Facebook et al, which actively filter, suppress, and prioritize content based on undisclosed criteria or paid promotion. At Markethive, there is no underlying system that prevents your posts from reaching your intended audience. 

Furthermore, the platform explicitly rejects practices such as "shadow banning," where a user's content is made invisible to others without their knowledge. There is no third-party or proprietary system dictating or censoring the content you can see, share, or engage with. This commitment ensures a truly decentralized, transparent, and high-engagement experience for all users.

The Push: Amplifying Your Message to New Members

The "Push" feature coming to Markethive provides a powerful, direct channel to ensure your message reaches every new member who joins the platform. This strategic placement guarantees maximum visibility and immediate exposure for your content, establishing an early connection with the platform's latest members.

How The Push works:

When you utilize the Push feature, your message is prominently displayed to all new members as they onboard into the Markethive ecosystem. This means that, as soon as a new individual registers and logs in, your communication will be among the initial pieces of content they encounter. It also means new members will have an active newsfeed right from the start. 

Benefits of Using The Push:

  • Immediate Exposure: Your message is seen by new members at the very beginning of their Markethive journey, making an immediate impact.
  • Guaranteed Visibility: Unlike other posting methods, where content can be missed, the Push ensures your message is displayed to every new member.
  • Strategic Onboarding: Leverage this feature to introduce new members to your initiatives, products, services, or community groups right from the start.
  • Enhanced Engagement: By reaching new members early, you can encourage immediate engagement and participation in your offerings.
  • Building Brand Awareness: Establish your presence and brand identity with new members from day one.

Crafting Your "Push" Message:

Given the prime real estate your message occupies, it's crucial to craft content that is concise, impactful, and clearly communicates its purpose. Consider what you want new members to know or do immediately upon joining Markethive. This could be:

  • A welcoming message to your specific group or community.
  • An introduction to a key product or service.
  • An invitation to an upcoming event or webinar.
  • A call to action for a free resource or download.
  • An essential piece of information for navigating the platform.

By strategically utilizing The Push, you can effectively amplify your message and cultivate a strong, immediate connection with the growing Markethive community. It ensures new members immediately see your message upon registration, offering guaranteed visibility and immediate exposure. It helps with strategic onboarding, enhanced engagement, and building brand awareness by introducing initiatives, products, or groups from day one.   


The Sales Page Pop-up 

The Boost: Amplifying Your Message Across Every Member's News Feed

In today's hyper-connected yet intensely competitive digital landscape, capturing and retaining audience attention is the ultimate challenge. The sheer volume of information being produced creates digital clutter, making it increasingly difficult for critical communications to cut through the noise and achieve genuine visibility. For organizations, businesses, and creators, this often means that vital announcements, strategic updates, and high-value content can be overlooked, diminishing their intended impact.

This is precisely where the Boost steps in, offering a revolutionary, unparalleled solution to systematically overcome these digital barriers. It is more than a delivery system; it is a meticulously engineered, proprietary mechanism built to guarantee content exposure.

How The Boost Works:

  • Bypassing the Algorithm: Unlike standard content distribution methods that rely on unpredictable, often restrictive platform algorithms that frequently filter, delay, or suppress messages, the Boost is designed to bypass these bottlenecks entirely.
  • Direct-to-Feed Delivery: The core functionality of this feature is to ensure your content is delivered directly to the news feeds of every member of your intended audience. This is a non-negotiable guarantee of presence. Every eyeshot, every scroll, will include your message.
  • Catalyst for Impact: As a powerful digital catalyst, the Boost dramatically enhances both the visibility and the overall influence of your communications. It transforms mere content posting into strategic, high-impact distribution.

The Essential Benefits:

  1. Guaranteed Visibility: Eliminate the risk of critical messages being missed. The Boost ensures 100% reach to the entire membership base, providing total confidence in your communication strategy.
  2. Enhanced Engagement: By ensuring direct exposure, the feature sets the stage for a significant increase in readership, interaction, and subsequent action from your audience. When people see the message, they can act on it.
  3. Maximum Impact: Whether it is a product launch, a crucial policy change, an urgent operational update, or a key community announcement, the Boost emphasizes the weight and urgency of your message, making its importance instantly clear and prompting immediate action.

By utilizing the Boost, you transition from hoping your message is seen to knowing it is delivered, cementing your place as a consistent and authoritative source of information in the rapid flow of the digital world.

Maximize Your Reach: The Unrivaled Power of The Boost

Imagine the impact of knowing that every member sees your latest newsletter, a substantial policy change, an exciting new event, or a crucial service update. The Boost turns this vision into reality, making your communication strategy more effective and your audience more informed. It empowers administrators and communicators to deliver messages with confidence, knowing they will be seen, absorbed, and acted upon.

In essence, the Boost is more than just a publishing tool; it's a strategic advantage that empowers you to communicate with unparalleled reach and impact, fostering a more connected, engaged, and informed member community. It serves as a PA system for communicating with the entire membership, not just your friends and associates. If they like your message and subscribe to you, you are then publishing to their sphere of influence and social networks.

The Markethive Boost feature is evolving to offer more targeted publishing options, including the ability to publish to specific geographic locations. Pricing will be tiered based on the delivery method, such as targeting via hashtags, keywords, most active users, or number of friends, but not via private navigation. The Boost feature will also be incorporated into the Promo code incentive. This allows you to offer it to prospects who join Markethive, as well as to existing members who join your groups and make purchases in your store.

Currently, the Boost allows any post to appear on every member's News Feed for a flat fee. For the launch period, the cost is $20 for free members and $10 for Entrepreneur One upgraded members. These launch prices will remain in effect until further notice. To get started, simply click the Boost icon located in the top tray of the Markethive home page. A sales page will pop up, allowing you to select the number of Boosts you want.


The Boost and Push icons will be displayed in the updated newsfeed under your editor. 

 
An Epic Ecosystem In The Making

The Push and The Boost are subscription-based services that contribute to a much larger, multifaceted revenue-generating system designed to establish a robust, resilient financial foundation. It provides the predictable, recurring resources needed to support long-term operational and iterative goals and key initiatives, such as the ILP interest payouts. 

The intensive iteration and development phase for Markethive, our next-generation social commerce and marketing platform, is progressing, bringing us closer to a fully operational and revenue-generating system. However, to ensure a swift and successful transition from development to full-scale launch, and to fully capitalize on the foundational work already accomplished, additional strategic funding is necessary.

This crucial investment is not merely about maintenance; it is specifically earmarked for the final, intensive development sprints required to integrate advanced features, optimize the user experience, and stress-test the platform under real-world conditions. Securing this funding will directly enable us to:

  • Accelerate Product Launches: Bring key, highly anticipated features, such as the crypto exchange listings for Hivecoin, a peer-to-peer marketplace, and advanced marketing automation tools, to market much faster than currently projected.
  • Meet All Development Objectives: Fully complete the Markethive platform's scope, ensuring a robust, scalable, and secure system that can handle massive user growth from day one.
  • Ensure a Polished User Experience: Dedicate resources to final quality assurance, bug resolution, and user interface (UI) refinements, guaranteeing a world-class experience for all members.

By contributing now, you are not simply donating; you are securing your direct stake in the platform's future success and profitability. We offer various contribution methods, some designed to give contributors a significant, long-term stake in the Markethive ecosystem. Your support will be the catalyst that transforms our current progress into a fully realized, revolutionary market network platform ready to generate substantial revenue. There are several ways to support us.

  • Secure an E1 Subscription (New Members): This is the ideal time to become an E1 member. A limited number of non-expiring E1 subscriptions are available, securing your access to all E1 benefits, including becoming an ILP shareholder and receiving 0.01 ILP annually, as long as your account remains active. Purchasing an E1 directly supports our development.
  • Expand Your E1 Subscriptions (Existing Members): Current E1 members can significantly accelerate product launches and monthly dividend payments to ILP holders by purchasing additional E1 subscriptions.
  • Direct Initial Loan Procurement (ILP) Purchase: Individuals interested in a basic, direct investment in the platform's future can buy an ILP separately. Please reach out to the Administration for more information.
  • Maintain Active Engagement: Your participation in the ecosystem is crucial. We encourage you to:
    • Purchase Boosts and Vanity Promo Codes: These tools are essential for expanding your marketing reach and increasing conversions.
    • Stay Active in the Wheel of Fortune Game: This activity helps boost system energy, increases transaction volume, and rewards your efforts.

Join us as we move forward with the next-generation multidimensional media platform, Markethive. Welcome to the Entrepreneur’s ecosystem. We are built for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs and are made up of Entrepreneurs of every caliber.


Thank you for your ongoing support. God bless you.