IRS Reminds Taxpayers To Report Gig Economy Income & Virtual Currency Transactions

In IR-2022-45 the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers of their reporting and potential tax obligations from working in the gig economy & making virtual currency transactions

Gig Economy Earnings Are Taxable

Generally, income earned from the gig economy is taxable and must be reported to the IRS. The gig economy is activity where people earn income providing on-demand work, services or goods. Often, it's through a digital platform like an app or website. Taxpayers must report income earned from the gig economy on a tax return, even if the income is:

• From part-time, temporary or side work,
• Not reported on an information return form - like a Form 1099-K, 1099-MISC, W-2 or other income statement or
• Paid in any form, including cash, property, goods or virtual currency.

For more information on the gig economy, visit the gig economy tax center.

Understand Virtual Currency Reporting And Tax Requirements

The IRS reminds taxpayers that once again there is a question at the top of Form 1040 and Form 1040-SR asking about virtual currency transactions. All taxpayers filing these forms must check the box indicating either "yes" or "no." A transaction involving virtual currency includes, but is not limited to:

• The receipt of virtual currency as payment for goods or services provided;
• The receipt or transfer of virtual currency for free (without providing any consideration) that does not qualify as a bona fide gift;
• The receipt of new virtual currency as a result of mining and staking activities;
• The receipt of virtual currency as a result of a hard fork;
• An exchange of virtual currency for property, goods or services;
• An exchange/trade of virtual currency for another virtual currency;
• A sale of virtual currency; and
• Any other disposition of a financial interest in virtual currency.

If an individual disposed of any virtual currency that was held as a capital asset through a sale, exchange or transfer, they should check "Yes" and use Form 8949 to figure their capital gain or loss and report it on Schedule D (Form 1040).

If they received any virtual currency as compensation for services or disposed of any virtual currency they held for sale to customers in a trade or business, they must report the income as they would report other income of the same type (for example, W-2 wages on Form 1040 or 1040-SR, line 1, or inventory or services from Schedule C on Schedule 1). More information on virtual currency can be found in the instructions for Form 1040 and on the Virtual Currencies page on IRS.gov.

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