Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
New Member
posted May 31, 2019 5:31:55 PM

Since the IRS considers Bitcoin to be property and not currency, can my business deduct the expense of buying Bitcoin in order to conduct business?

0 2 3476
1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
May 31, 2019 5:31:56 PM

Investment in Bitcoin is handled the same as any other investment. Sales are reported as Investment Income, with a sale price (or fair value), date, original cost and date, and the gain or loss.

Expenses relating to the purchase of Bitcoin would be included in the basis of the asset. Sales expenses would be reported as part of the sale rather than separate business expenses.

The actual sales are entered in TurboTax Home & Business under Personal Income -> Investment Income -> Stocks, Mutual Funds, Bonds Other as "Everything Else." The resulting capital gains/losses are reported on Schedule D.


2 Replies
Expert Alumni
May 31, 2019 5:31:56 PM

Investment in Bitcoin is handled the same as any other investment. Sales are reported as Investment Income, with a sale price (or fair value), date, original cost and date, and the gain or loss.

Expenses relating to the purchase of Bitcoin would be included in the basis of the asset. Sales expenses would be reported as part of the sale rather than separate business expenses.

The actual sales are entered in TurboTax Home & Business under Personal Income -> Investment Income -> Stocks, Mutual Funds, Bonds Other as "Everything Else." The resulting capital gains/losses are reported on Schedule D.


Level 15
Jun 17, 2019 6:12:53 PM

Depending on how your business is structured, it would be considered inventory. What you paid for that inventory is not deductible until the tax year you sell it.

If you're set up as an investor, then the cost is not deductible until the tax year you sell or otherwise divest in the expenditure.