What happens if I don't declare crypto?
Michael King
Updated on February 22, 2026
While the IRS views crypto as property rather than cash, American expatriates still must report foreign-held or -acquired cryptocurrency over a certain amount. Like many other tax requirements, failure to report your crypto gains on Form 8938 can result in hefty fines from the IRS.
What happens if I don t report my crypto on my taxes?
If you don't report taxable crypto activity and face an IRS audit, you may incur interest, penalties or even criminal charges. It may be considered tax evasion or fraud, said David Canedo, a Milwaukee-based CPA and tax specialist product manager at Accointing, a crypto tracking and tax reporting tool.Do I need to declare cryptocurrency if I don't sell?
Buying crypto on its own isn't a taxable event. You can buy and hold cryptocurrency without any taxes, even if the value increases. There needs to be a taxable event first such as selling the cryptocurrency. The IRS has been taking steps to ensure that crypto investors pay their taxes.Can you get away with not filing crypto taxes?
If you've avoided reporting your crypto on your taxes in the past, this year “might not be the year you'll get away with it,” she says. According to the IRS, you have three years from the date that you filed your return to file an amended return.Do you have to report crypto if you didn't gain?
“If you just bought it and didn't sell anything, you can actually answer 'no' to that question because you do not have any taxable gains or losses to report,” he says.Can the IRS Track Cryptocurrency? Here's What the IRS Knows About You...
Do I need to report crypto if less than 600?
If you earn $600 or more in a year paid by an exchange, including Coinbase, the exchange is required to report these payments to the IRS as “other income” via IRS Form 1099-MISC (you'll also receive a copy for your tax return).Do I have to claim my crypto?
First, it's important to note that when investing and transacting with cryptocurrency, it's taxed as property much like stocks, meaning you must report any capital gains and losses when disposing of it. Below are the most common crypto activities that you do need to report on your tax form: Selling your crypto for cash.How does the IRS know if you have cryptocurrency?
If you have more than $20,000 in proceeds and at least 200 transactions in cryptocurrency in a given tax year, you should receive a form 1099-K reflecting your proceeds for each month. Exchanges are required to create these forms for users who meet these criteria. A copy of this form is sent directly to the IRS.Has anyone been audited for crypto?
The Most Common IRS Crypto Audit Triggers To Look Out ForThe IRS has audited about 0.6% of personal returns and 0.97% of all corporate returns between 2010 and 2018. Last year, the agency audited 771,095 tax returns that resulted in nearly $17.3 billion in recommended additional tax.