Cryptocurrency accounting in 2023 – how to handle it?

Cryptocurrency has been becoming increasingly widespread. As more and more people begin to use it, the crypto accounting sphere is becoming more complex to accommodate the latest developments. Therefore, and unfortunately, crypto accounting can be a challenging task. Especially for those who are new to the industry.

Worry not! With our guide, things should be much clearer. To help you out, we’ll go through the key difficulties of crypto accounting and the most helpful tips on how to overcome them. Without further ado, let’s get cracking!

Challenges of crypto accounting

One of the key challenges of crypto accounting is closely tied to the very nature of crypto, and the things that make it appealing – the decentralized and largely unregulated nature of the market. Unlike traditional financial transactions, there is no central authority or intermediary that can provide a clear record of all transactions. Instead, individuals and businesses must rely on a variety of tools and techniques to track and report on their own crypto activity.

Of course, it’s also very, very imperative to stay compliant with local crypto laws and regulations. Otherwise, you run the risk of losing money and time in a court of law, or even worse, your business might be shut down. However, a problem is the lack of legal certainty in this industry.

To help you out, staying compliant can involve working with tax professionals and legal advisors to ensure that all transactions are reported accurately and in compliance with applicable laws. In addition, stay in touch with the latest legislative developments by following reliable platforms such as tradecrypto.com, which will allow you to regularly keep up with the changes in this area.

Another challenge is determining the cost basis and fair market value of your assets for tax purposes. Crypto transactions are complex and often involve multiple trades and exchanges, making it difficult to accurately determine the cost basis and fair market value of your assets.

Additionally, dealing with forks, airdrops, and other events that can affect the value of your assets can also be challenging. These events can create confusion and uncertainty about the value of your assets and can make it difficult to accurately report your taxes.

Tips on how to handle crypto accounting

Let’s now see what you can do to overcome those challenges. Crypto accounting isn’t easy, but it can be easier with time and effort:

Learn how to do crypto taxes

First things first, get familiar with the tax laws and regulations that pertain to crypto. This includes understanding the different types of taxes that may apply to your transactions, such as capital gains and income taxes.

Keep detailed records of all your transactions as you will need them when doing accounting. And we mean – detailed. This includes the date, amount, and type of each transaction, as well as the value of the cryptocurrency at the time of the transaction. It’s important to have accurate records to ensure that you are reporting your taxes correctly.

Additionally, consider working with a tax professional who is well-versed in crypto accounting. They can offer guidance and advice to help ensure that you are reporting your taxes correctly and minimizing your liability.

Crypto accounting software

Next, forget about traditional spreadsheet programs like Excel. Instead, try using a more visually appealing platform like Canva to create colorful, eye-catching charts and graphs to track your crypto assets. It’s more enjoyable that way, and it will also make it easier to spot patterns and trends in your portfolio.

Another important step is to use reliable accounting software or tool. This can help you track your transactions, calculate your gains and losses, and generate the necessary tax forms. Some popular choices include:

1. CryptoTrader.Tax
2. BearTax
3. TokenTax

There are additional pieces of software you may use. To find out more, read TradeCrypto’s informative guide on accounting software for cryptocurrency.

Gamification and creativity

Finally, you can get creative with your categorization methods. Instead of just labeling transactions as “buys” and “sells,” try using more descriptive and whimsical terms like “moon shots” and “bag holders.” This will not only make the process more interesting, but it will also help you to better remember your trades and their outcomes.

Another tip is to gamify your accounting process. Set goals for yourself and reward yourself when you meet them. For example, if you reach a certain portfolio value, treat yourself to a fancy dinner or a new piece of crypto-themed merchandise. This will not only make the process more fun, but it will also give you added motivation to stay on top of your finances.

Future of crypto accounting

It’s important to note that the tips given apply to the present time, i.e. 2023. In the future, or even in the next few years, different rules may apply. Namely, the future of crypto accounting is expected to become increasingly automated and streamlined, with the use of software and technology playing a larger role in the process. This includes the use of blockchain technology to create an immutable and transparent record of all transactions, as well as the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze large amounts of data and identify patterns and trends.

Additionally, with the increasing mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies, governments and regulatory bodies are likely to put in place more stringent reporting and compliance requirements for crypto businesses. As a result, professional crypto accounting services will become increasingly important to ensure compliance with tax and other regulations.

Furthermore, the use of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, which allow for the creation of financial products and services on the blockchain, is also expected to grow. This will lead to new accounting challenges, such as the need to value and account for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and other unique digital assets.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. Cryptocurrency accounting is a complex field that’s getting harder to grasp each year. Still, knowing the key challenges and having the right advice at your disposal will help you get started toward unlocking the secrets of handling crypto accounting like a pro. Good luck, and remember, you can always hire professionals if things get too bumpy.