Ledgible Logo
BLOG
March 23, 2023

Understanding Form 1099-DA: Why It's Necessary and How It's Used

As a cryptocurrency investor or trader, you may have heard of Form 1099-DA. This is a tax form used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to report certain types of payments. In this blog, we'll explore the purpose of Form 1099-DA, why it's necessary, and how it's used by both the IRS and the recipient.

What is Form 1099-DA?

Form 1099-DA is a tax form used by the IRS to report payments made to an individual or entity in digital assets such as cryptocurrencies. This form is used to report the fair market value of digital assets that are received by an individual or entity. The information reported on the form includes the name and address of the recipient, the type and amount of digital assets received, and the date of the payment.

It's important to note that Form 1099-DA is not the same as Form 1099-B, which is used to report the sale or exchange of digital assets. Form 1099-DA is specifically used to report payments made in digital assets, while Form 1099-B is used to report the sale or exchange of digital assets.

Why is Form 1099-DA necessary?

The purpose of Form 1099-DA is to provide the IRS with information about certain types of payments made in digital assets. This information is used to ensure that taxpayers are reporting all of their income accurately and to identify potential cases of tax evasion.

In addition, Form 1099-DA is necessary because it helps the IRS track the use of digital assets, which are becoming increasingly popular as a means of payment. The use of digital assets presents unique challenges for tax compliance and enforcement, and Form 1099-DA is one tool that the IRS can use to address these challenges.

Who needs to file the form and why?

If you make payments in digital assets that are equivalent to $10 or more, you are required to file Form 1099-DA. This requirement applies to all individuals or entities that make such payments, including businesses, organizations, and individuals.

The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that all payments made in digital assets are properly reported to the IRS. By requiring the filing of Form 1099-DA, the IRS can track the use of digital assets and identify potential cases of tax evasion.

How is the form used by the IRS?

The information reported on Form 1099-DA is used by the IRS for tax compliance and enforcement purposes. Specifically, the IRS uses the information to ensure that taxpayers are reporting all of their income accurately and to identify potential cases of tax evasion.

The IRS also uses the information to track the use of digital assets, which is becoming increasingly popular as a means of payment. This allows the IRS to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in digital asset use and to adjust its tax compliance and enforcement strategies accordingly.

How is Form 1099-DA used by the recipient?

As a recipient of payments in digital assets, you will receive a copy of Form 1099-DA from the payer. The information reported on the form includes the fair market value of the digital assets received, which is important for tax reporting purposes.

The form is used by the recipient for tax reporting and record-keeping purposes. Specifically, the information reported on the form is used to determine the amount of income that must be reported on the recipient's tax return.

In summary, Form 1099-DA is an important tax form that helps the IRS track certain types of payments made in digital assets. By understanding the purpose of the form and how it's used, taxpayers and businesses can ensure they stay compliant with tax regulations and avoid potential penalties. It's important for individuals and entities that make payments in digital assets to be aware of their reporting obligations and to file Form 1099-DA when necessary. By doing so, they can help ensure that the IRS has the information it needs to enforce tax compliance and address potential cases of tax evasion. As the use of digital assets continues to grow, it's likely that the importance of tax forms related to digital assets will only increase.

Jacques Potts - Sr. Marketing Manager at Ledgible and experienced financial author, marketer, and crypto expert. His work has been featured on The Street, Project Serum, FirstTrade, and Invstr.
« Back to Blog
Newsletter Form
wall street blockchain alliance logoaccounting blockchain coalition logoAICPA Logo
cross linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram