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Coinbase 1099 da confusion: what to do now?

Coinbase 1099-DA Confusion | Users Seek Clarity Amid Tax Concerns

By

John O'Connor

Jun 19, 2025, 10:39 AM

Edited By

Daniel Wu

Updated

Jun 20, 2025, 01:33 AM

2 minutes reading time

A trader looking at a 1099-DA tax form with a calculator and computer, showing signs of confusion while reviewing financial documents.
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As tax season heats up in 2025, Coinbase traders are feeling the pressure following the receipt of their 1099-DA forms. The forms, which report gross proceeds from crypto transactions, fail to include crucial cost basis information, leading to anxiety over potential audits.

Users Share Their Experiences

Several traders are vocal about similar issues as one user noted, โ€œIโ€™ve been calculating my taxes with Koinly but now my numbers donโ€™t match Coinbaseโ€™s report.โ€ This discrepancy reveals the challenges faced by many individuals whoโ€™ve been meticulously tracking their investments since 2023.

Another trader emphasized the importance of reporting accuracy: "If you want to be safe, file the number which makes you pay the highest taxes," referencing concerns that underreporting could lead to audits.

Tax Reporting Challenges

The absence of cost basis details on the 1099-DA has caused confusion. One commenter explained, "IRS knows exchanges like Coinbase wonโ€™t always report cost basis.โ€ This has prompted many traders to consider alternative solutions, like using tools such as Coinledger, which one user claimed helped provide more accurate tax forms compared to Coinbaseโ€™s records.

Key issues being discussed include:

  • Whether to reconcile personal records with Coinbaseโ€™s figures.

  • How to report DeFi transactions not reflected on 1099-DA forms.

  • The need to declare higher self-calculated taxes if they exceed what Coinbase reports.

Community Insights

Some users find comfort in knowing the IRS is aware of these reporting limitations. A user commented, "The numbers you submit are what matters. The 1099s donโ€™t carry the weight you think they do"โ€”a sentiment many in the community echo as they navigate the uncertainty.

Interestingly, competitiveness in the crypto market, especially with Bitcoinโ€™s current rise, adds pressure as traders rush to file accurate taxes amidst evolving regulations.

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ณ 1099-DA forms lack crucial cost basis information, sparking confusion.

  • โ–ฝ Tools like Coinledger and Koinly are popular for accurate tax reporting.

  • โ€ป "Keep records, do it right, and donโ€™t let it keep you up at night," advised another community member.

As the tax deadline approaches, many traders continue to seek clarity and guidance. With the IRS expected to release more definitive guidelines in the coming months, itโ€™s essential for traders to stay informed to ensure compliance and minimize potential audits.