BarbriSFCourseDetails

Course Details

This course will discuss recently released IRS Revenue Ruling 2019-24 and the updated FAQs regarding taxation of cryptocurrency. With only Revenue Ruling 2014-21 for guidance, practitioners and holders of virtual currency welcomed the release of updated guidance on the taxation of cryptocurrency. Our adept panel will clarify the recent guidance, explain best practices to document these cumbersome transactions, and discuss the recent IRS initiative to identify and tax virtual currency activity.

Faculty

Description

In its short--5 page--Revenue Ruling 2019-24, the IRS attempts to answer questions surrounding receipt of cryptocurrency. Specifically, the Revenue Ruling asks and answers two questions:

  • Is a hardfork subject to tax when the taxpayer doesn't receive new cryptocurrency?
  • Is an airdrop following a hardfork subject to tax when the taxpayer receives new cryptocurrency?

The Revenue Ruling provides an explanation and a situational example of each question. The guidance explains that cryptocurrency from an airdrop is taxable when the taxpayer can exercise "dominion and control" over the currency, not necessarily when the transaction is recorded in the distributed ledger (i.e., blockchain).

In addition to this October 2019 Revenue Ruling, the IRS expanded its FAQ, adding 27 questions and answers concerning taxation of cryptocurrency. One pertinent answer is that a taxpayer can specifically identify units sold.

The Q&A also covers new information on gain/loss calculations, gifts of cryptocurrency, and charitable donations of these units.

Listen as our expert panel reviews the October 2019 IRS guidance on cryptocurrency, including calculating gains and losses, accurately handling the taxation of hardforks and airdrops, and the questions that remain surrounding taxation of these virtual units.

Outline

  1. Cryptocurrency: what we knew
  2. New Revenue Ruling 2019-24
  3. 27 new FAQs
  4. Current IRS focus on cryptocurrency
  5. Questions remaining

Benefits

The panel will review these and other important issues:

  • When is a hardfork taxed?
  • What is the state of the current IRS initiative to tax virtual currency transactions?
  • How should holders document virtual transaction activity?
  • How and when are airdrops taxed?

NASBA Details

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Identify virtual transactions subject to IRS scrutiny
  • Ascertain whether a hardfork is subject to taxation under Section 61
  • Decide whether to recognize income from the donation of virtual currency
  • Determine the basis in virtual currency units

  • Field of Study: Taxes
  • Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
  • Advance Preparation: None
  • Teaching Method: Seminar/Lecture
  • Delivery Method: Group-Internet (via computer)
  • Attendance Monitoring Method: Attendance is monitored electronically via a participant's PIN and through a series of attendance verification prompts displayed throughout the program
  • Prerequisite: Three years+ business or public firm experience preparing complex tax forms and schedules, supervising other preparers or accountants. Specific knowledge and understanding of pass-through taxation, including taxation of partnerships, S corporations and sole proprietorships, qualified business income, net operating losses and loss limitations; familiarity with net operating loss carry-backs, carry-forwards and carried interests.

Strafford Publications, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of Accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE Credits. Complaints regarding registered sponsons may be submitted to NASBA through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

IRS Approved Provider

Strafford is an IRS-approved continuing education provider offering certified courses for Enrolled Agents (EA) and Tax Return Preparers (RTRP).