carolineb
Employee Tax Expert

Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Hello @lnk-fr,

Staking rewards are generally considered income, and depending on the circumstances, they may be subject to self-employment tax. Here are some factors that make staking rewards subject to self-employment tax:

  • Frequency and Regularity: if you engage in staking activities frequently, it may be viewed as an ongoing income-generating effort like running a business.
  • Operational Effort: If you actively participate in the network’s operations, such as verifying transactions, maintaining nodes, or actively managing the staking process, it can be seen as a business activity.
  • Participation in Network Governance: If your staking activities involve voting or participating in network governance decisions, the IRS may view this as active participation in the operation of a block chain network, potentially leading to self-employment tax implications.
  • Structuring of Rewards: If the reward is distributed as regular income for your involvement in network activities, they are more likely to be subject to self-employment tax. If they are structured as passive investment income, they may not be.
  • Type of Cryptocurrency: The specific cryptocurrency being staked can influence the tax treatment. Some have established taxation guidelines, while others may be subject to evolving interpretations by tax authorities.

Regardless of whether your cryptocurrency income is subject to self-employment tax, it is crucial to maintain accurate records and fulfill your tax obligations.

 

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