Issue with crypto capital gain/loss via TurboTax Deluxe Desktop

Feb 09, 2022 Last reply: 3 years ago 2 Replies

I use TT Deluxe desktop. I've never had problems with capital gains/losses as I can always import the 1099 from my brokerage firm.



However, I also did some BTC purchases/sales via PayPal. They just sent me a statement for my taxes (small loss).



I cannot import from PayPal. I do have a .csv file but again I cannot import such a file into TT Deluxe.



There is no investment feature in TT DELUXE.



I found another way: I created a new 1099-B and labeled it PayPal. I then could get one proceeds figure and one cost figure from the data. I can enter it in the area that goes directly to Sched. D. (IT's 5 transactions-- just added the total costs and total proceeds).


Seems to work.



Although the statement is not labeled 1099-B, it has the same information. But it seems to work (my taxable income gets reduced by the small amount of this short-term loss.



Should this suffice?



Mel


Best Answer

It sounds like you've found a way to report your PayPal cryptocurrency transactions on your tax return using TurboTax Deluxe Desktop by creating a new 1099-B and entering the total costs and total proceeds.

It's important to note that while the statement from PayPal may not be labeled as a 1099-B, it should contain the same information needed to report your cryptocurrency transactions. The IRS considers cryptocurrency to be a form of property and therefore it is subject to capital gains and losses tax rules.

It's also worth noting that this method you're using to report your PayPal cryptocurrency transactions may not be the most accurate way to report your taxes, as the software may not be designed to handle the complexities of crypto tax reporting. It is recommended that you consult with a tax professional to ensure that your tax return is accurate and compliant with all tax laws.

It's important to note that the IRS has been cracking down on cryptocurrency transactions, so it's important to be accurate and transparent in your reporting.

In general, if you're having trouble reporting your cryptocurrency capital gains and losses on TurboTax Deluxe Desktop, there are a few things you can try:

Make sure you're using the most recent version of TurboTax. Software updates may include new features and bug fixes that can help with reporting cryptocurrency transactions.

Ensure that you have entered all of your cryptocurrency transactions correctly, including the date of purchase, date of sale, cost basis, sales proceeds, and any associated fees. Double check that you have the right numbers and that they match the numbers on your exchange or wallet records.

Ensure that you are reporting the cryptocurrency transactions on the correct form. Short-term transactions should be reported on Schedule D (Form 1040) and long-term transactions should be reported on Form 8949.

Make sure you have entered the correct cost-basis method. The cost-basis is the price at which you bought the asset, and there are different methods to calculate it. Depending on the method you choose, the outcome of your tax filing will vary.

If you're still having trouble, you may want to consult with a tax professional who can help you navigate the process and ensure that you're in compliance with all tax laws.

It's also worth noting that TurboTax Deluxe Desktop may not have the capability to handle the complexity of crypto tax reporting. It may be worth considering using a specialized software or service providers that can help you with calculating and filing your cryptocurrency taxes, like CryptoTrader.Tax, TokenTax, and BearTax.

No. Each crypto transaction should be entered on a separate line on Form 8949, Part I or II as appropriate with Code C or F. I don't use TT, but there should be a way to enter data directly onto the forms without using the interview method. Crypto is an area of heightened interest for the IRS (note the check box at the top of page 1 of Form 1040.

Ira Smilovitz, EA Leonia, NJ

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