NFT Investors Are Owing Billions In U.S Taxes, Here’s How IRS Plans to Collect Tax

By Mayowa Adebajo
IRS to begin cracking down on NFT investors

Over time, nonfungible tokens (NFTs) have proven to be one of the hottest sectors in crypto, and now the U.S. government may finally be ready to get its share from this booming sector. According to a report by Bloomberg, officials of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced their plans to begin cracking down on NFT investors and creators who have been evading tax payments.

Advertisement
Advertisement

NFT investors raise concern over unclear taxation laws

Going by Chainalysis data, the NFT market is presently around $44 billion. And according to tax experts, buyers and sellers of NFTs, that is, creators and investors alike are facing unpaid taxes to the tune of billions of dollars. Not only that, but they also face rates as high as 37% and the IRS has now confirmed that they are prepping for a full clampdown on evaders.

Although there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the looming crackdown, NFT enthusiasts can get ready to be surprised when tax filing season begins later this month.

For what it’s worth, token taxation as of the moment isn’t clearly spelled out, leaving NFT investors without any clues regarding whether they owe any taxes, or how they are even supposed to calculate them in the first place.

For instance, an NFT investor and creator, Adam Hollander has called the situation an “absolute nightmare”, having to sieve through several months of transactions by oneself

But speaking about the unclear taxation terms as it concerns NFTs, a San Francisco-based tax attorney James Creech says:

“You don’t get to not report gains or losses because the IRS has failed to provide guidance that meets your expectations”.

Advertisement
Advertisement

IRS investigators getting set to receive countless tax cases in 2022

Meanwhile, the IRS has hinted that they are fully prepared to start treating such cases on NFT taxation.

Acting executive director of cyber and forensic services at the IRS’s criminal investigation division, Jarod Koopman said:

“We subsequently will probably see an influx of potential NFT type tax evasion, or other crypto-asset tax evasion cases coming through”.

With so much money at stake, the IRS might be left with no choice but to clarify the rules and make things a bit easier for itself when it finally begins its crackdown on defaulters.

Advertisement
Mayowa Adebajo
Mayowa Adebajo is a fintech enthusiast with a decade-long experience writing news stories and creating content generally. When he's not writing, he's either talking politics or discussing sports.
Why trust CoinGape: CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.