When to File Crypto Taxes in 2025? (U.S. Guide)

If you’ve traded Bitcoin, staked Ethereum, or flipped NFTs this year, you might be wondering when — and how — to deal with crypto taxes. The IRS treats digital assets as property, not currency, which means every sale, swap, or even certain rewards can create a taxable event. But figuring out when to actually file, and what deadlines apply, can be confusing — especially with the new reporting rules coming into effect in 2025.

In this guide, we’ll walk through when crypto taxes are due, how the new Form 1099-DA changes things, and how to make tax season a lot easier with tools like the .

🗓️ Key Tax Dates for Crypto Holders

Here are the main deadlines you should know for the 2024 tax year (filed in 2025):

January 31, 2025:Crypto brokers and exchanges start sending out Form 1099-DA — a new IRS document that reports your digital asset transactions. You’ll also get this form if you’ve sold or traded crypto through a major exchange.
April 15, 2025:This is the standard federal tax filing deadline. If you had any crypto gains, income, or rewards in 2024, you must report them by this date — just like stocks or real estate.
October 15, 2025:If you file for an extension, this is your final deadline. Remember, the extension gives you more time to file, but not to pay. If you owe taxes, they’re still due in April.

💡 What Triggers a Crypto Tax Event?

Not every crypto transaction is taxable, but many are. You’ll need to report whenever you:

Sell crypto for cash
Trade one coin or token for another
Use crypto to buy goods or services
Receive rewards (staking, mining, airdrops, etc.)

Simply buying and holding crypto doesn’t trigger taxes — only when you dispose of it.

🧾 How to Calculate Your Crypto Tax

The IRS requires you to calculate capital gains or losses for each transaction:

Short-term gains (held under 12 months): taxed as ordinary income
Long-term gains (held over 12 months): taxed at lower capital gains rates

You can estimate your tax liability using the .
It’s a free tool that gives you an informational estimate — not a substitute for professional advice, but a great way to understand your potential obligations before filing.

⚙️ What’s New in 2025

The big change this year is the 1099-DA reporting requirement.
Exchanges and brokers must now report users’ crypto disposals directly to the IRS — similar to how stock brokers report trades. This means the IRS will automatically know about your transactions, making underreporting far riskier.

Additionally:

Decentralized platforms may gradually start reporting through third-party services.
Stablecoin and NFT transactions are explicitly covered under the new rules.
Some states (like California and New York) are updating their own crypto tax guidance in parallel.

🧘 Simplifying Tax Season

If crypto taxes stress you out, you’re not alone. Many U.S. investors use tools or professional accountants who specialize in digital assets.
Here are a few ways to make your life easier:

Keep detailed records of all trades and transfers.
Export CSV files from your exchanges monthly, not yearly.
Use automated tax tools early — don’t wait until April.
Cross-check your 1099-DA form against your personal records for accuracy.

💬 Final Thoughts

Tax season doesn’t have to be a nightmare for crypto investors. Understanding when to file — and having your data ready — is half the battle. With the new IRS reporting framework, transparency is the safest path forward.

And if you want to get a head start, try the to estimate your potential crypto tax for 2024 — it’s fast, free, and designed to make things simpler.