Your Guide to Stablecoin Taxes for 2024

Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that are typically pegged to the value of a commodity or currency, and thereby designed to have a stable value. They are often pegged to the value of the US dollar and collateralized with reserve assets. For example, common stablecoins DAI, USDT, and USDC follow this model.

Recently, algorithmic stablecoins have been in the news. Unlike fiat backed stablecoins, algorithmic stablecoins like UST or AMP in principle rely on a complex series of protocol mechanisms to maintain a relatively constant value. However, as seen in the Terra Luna collapse, these mechanisms are not always successful. 

Many crypto investors assume that since stablecoins have a “fixed” price, they won’t owe capital gains tax. However, the situation is more complicated. Read further to learn more about how to approach stablecoin taxes.

How stablecoins work

Stablecoins work by pegging their market value to an external reference, typically fiat. Because of this, stablecoins serve as a utility for the crypto ecosystem, acting as a medium of exchange with very little volatility. 

Stablecoins are backed by reserve assets, including fiat and even gold, or by algorithmic supply controls.

Transactions in and out of stablecoins from other cryptocurrencies are taxable. So if you purchase $20k of Bitcoin with fiat and its value climbs to $30k, which you then trade for USDT or another stablecoin, you are subject to the same capital gains consequences on the $10k as you would if you’d traded directly back for fiat.

Traders should use Form 8949 to report capital gains and losses from such trades. Income from stablecoins should be reported as “other income” with Form 1040 Schedule 1. 

The IRS taxes stablecoins just like other forms of cryptocurrency. When you trade from other cryptocurrencies into a stablecoin, either realizing a gain or a loss, the usual tax implications arise. If you receive payments in stablecoins for goods or services, these are treated as regular income, just like fiat.

Is trading stablecoins for other stablecoins a taxable event?

How are stablecoins taxed when used for trades? Will you realize capital gains or losses on your stablecoin trades? Generally, no, you won’t have gains or losses—or if you do, they won’t be very large. Are stablecoins taxable? Yes.

Although stablecoin price fluctuations will typically be trivial and not contribute meaningfully to overall tax liability, stablecoin trades still need to be reported on your taxes. This is because they are cryptocurrencies and are thus considered property by the IRS.

Stablecoin trading example:

• You purchase 50,000 USDT for $50,000

• You later cash out the USDT for $50,012.75

• You have realized a taxable event and need to report the $12.75 gain on your Form 8949

Crypto taxes on stablecoin payments or wages

How are stablecoins taxed when received as payments or wages? If you receive stablecoins as payment for goods or services or as wages for a job, they will be taxed as ordinary income at the rate determined by your income bracket. 

Stablecoin income example:

• You perform a set at a festival and receive 5,000 DAI in return

• You need to report $5,000 of income

Is converting BTC to UDSC a taxable event? 

Yes, converting BTC to UDSC or any other stablecoin is a taxable event with all the corresponding consequences for your crypto tax filing.

As seen after the 2022 Terra Luna collapse, significant gains and losses can occur if a stablecoin collapses. Many traders experienced massive losses on UST. These stablecoin losses and any other crypto losses should be reported on your taxes. 

This is not only for record-keeping purposes but also so that you can use the losses to offset income and/or capital gains.   

If you are holding a stablecoin that has lost all value, there may be an avenue for deducting that sum as a worthless security. However, there isn’t a broad agreement between crypto accountants that this is a viable strategy, so you should speak to a crypto tax accountant or attorney. 

There are some nuances around stablecoins and the tax consequences that result from them, as well as pending legislation that may impact future tax seasons.

Our team of crypto tax professional will provide an in-depth look at some common issues around stablecoin taxes and will make reporting your stablecoin taxes easy. Take advantage of our free consultation option and speak to one of our experts today.

Legislation concerning stablecoin taxes is still moving through US Congress. In June of 2023, the House Financial Services Committee unveiled its third draft of a stablecoin bill, aiming to merge perspectives from both Republicans and Democrats. This draft, released by the Republican chair of the committee, signals a potential bipartisan approach to regulating stablecoins and addressing the growing need for oversight in the crypto space.

This latest draft seeks to reconcile the positions of both parties by giving the Federal Reserve the responsibility of establishing stablecoin issuance requirements while still allowing state regulators to oversee the companies behind these digital assets. It also grants the Fed additional powers, particularly in emergency scenarios, allowing intervention in cases involving state-regulated stablecoin issuers.

In July of 2023, the House Financial Services Committee took a step toward regulating payment stablecoins by approving an updated version of the Clarity for Payment Stablecoins Act. The bill passed out of the committee with a vote of 34 to 16, primarily along party lines. While the current form of the bill faces Democratic opposition and uncertain prospects for enactment, it still signifies progress in establishing a regulatory framework for stablecoins through congressional authorization.

There are three principal types of stablecoins, each similar in purpose but defined by the way they are collateralized or backed: Fiat, Crypto, and Algorithmic.

Fiat-collateralized stablecoins

Fiat-collateralized stablecoins are backed by a reserve of fiat currency or currencies, most typically the U.S. dollar. These assure the stablecoin retains its peg and value. Other forms of collateral can be used, including gold, silver, and crude oil. 

Crypto-collateralized stablecoins

Crypto-collateralized stablecoins are backed by cryptocurrency. Because of crypto’s volatility, these stablecoins are overcollateralized. DAI is one example and is collateralized by multiple fiat-backed stablecoins and a number of other cryptocurrencies.

Algorithmic-backed stablecoins

Algorithmic stablecoins control supply algorithmically through preset formulas. They may also pair this with reserve assets. These are not unlike central banks that issue fiat without reserves to back it, although with a great deal less transparency and public policy. Famously, the price of TerraUSD (UST) unpegged from the US dollar in May of 2022 and lost more than 60% of its value.

Here are some answers to some common questions about stablecoin taxes.

Do I have to pay taxes on stablecoins?

Are stablecoins taxable? Yes. Any time to realize a gain or a loss involving a stablecoin, you will need to report this on your taxes. If you receive payment for services in stablecoins, you must report it as regular income.

Why buy stablecoins?

Stablecoins are a way to trade in and out of other cryptocurrencies without moving into fiat. There are a number of reasons a trader might choose to do so, including to use stablecoins to receive a return on staking (lending) them to exchanges or DeFi protocols, as collateral for crypto loans, or simply to time the market and remain within crypto to quickly trade for other crypto assets without going in and out of fiat.

How is USDC taxed?

USDC (USD Coin) is typically treated as a type of cryptocurrency for tax purposes. When you acquire, trade, or sell USDC, it may trigger tax obligations. The tax treatment is the same as other cryptocurrencies, and you are required to report any capital gains or losses resulting from USDC transactions on your tax return, as well as USDC received as income.

Is converting crypto to stablecoin taxable?

Yes, converting one cryptocurrency to another, including converting crypto to stablecoin, is generally considered a taxable event. The IRS treats such transactions as property exchanges, and you must report any resulting capital gains or losses on your tax filings. This includes the conversion of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum to stablecoins such as USDC.