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Who reports cryptocurrency to the IRS?
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Who reports cryptocurrency to the IRS?

Jeffrey L. Hoopes, Tyler S. Menzer and Jaron H. Wilde
Review of accounting studies, Vol.31, pp.453-488
03/18/2026
DOI: 10.1007/s11142-025-09932-1
url
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11142-025-09932-1View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Cryptocurrency has been the subject of heightened regulatory and investor attention in recent years, and regulators and policymakers across the globe are deliberating on how to account for, regulate, tax, and oversee digital assets and cryptocurrency marketplaces. Yet researchers have a limited understanding of key attributes of those who deal in crypto assets, such as whether their financial sophistication differs from that of other investors. Using U.S. administrative data, we provide evidence on (i) the attributes of taxpayers reporting cryptocurrency sales to the IRS, (ii) how these attributes are evolving, and (iii) how investors treat cryptocurrency versus other financial assets in certain settings. The results suggest that average reporting cryptocurrency sellers exhibit demographic attributes generally associated with less financial sophistication and are more likely to trade in meme stocks. Overall, we provide timely evidence that can inform cryptocurrency policy deliberations by highlighting the characteristics of taxpayers who appear to report cryptocurrency sales.
Cryptocurrency Bitcoin IRS Accounting Finance Individual Taxation M49 G11 H20

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