turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

Effect of cost basis on crypto staking

Hi,

 

I stake my cryptos and was wondering how the cost basis of cryptos changes due to staking? I understand that staking rewards are considered as regular income when filing for taxes. But when I "sell" these staked cryptos at some point of time in the future, I need to ascertain what my cost basis is so that I can calculate my profit or loss. 

 

Let me give you an example:
 
Say I bought Polkadot (DOT) 3 times: 
a] 10 DOTs for $20/DOT in January
b] 20 DOTs for $30/DOT in February 
c] 30 DOTs for $40/DOT in March

 

Say I "staked" 30 DOTs in April and "unstake" (30 + staking rewards) DOTs in May

 
Since I apply FIFO for my tax calculation, so 10 DOTs that I purchased in Jan + 20 DOTs I purchased in Feb will be considered "staked'. Does my cost basis becomes $40/DOT (the remaining "unstaked" DOT)? 
 
Now when I "unstake" the (30 + staking rewards) DOTs in May, shouldn't my cost basis calculation for "unrealized gain" take into account the $20/DOT and $30/DOT I paid for the original DOTs I had bought in the month of Jan and Feb? Or will it remain at $40/DOT?
 
I want to understand how staking part of my crypto assets affect the cost basis calculation.
 
Thanks for your help. 
 
Regards,
AD
x
Do you have an Intuit account?

Do you have an Intuit account?

You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.

1 Reply
Janis M1
Employee Tax Expert

Effect of cost basis on crypto staking

Please see the Turbotax link for Crypto that references staking and how the earnings are recorded. 

 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/investments-and-taxes/your-cryptocurrency-tax-guide/L4k3xiFjB 

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question
Manage cookies