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Selling bitcoin without cost basis: what to do next?

Confusion Looms Over Bitcoin Sales | Coinbase Users Grapple with Cost Basis Dilemma

By

Jessica Thompson

Apr 7, 2025, 08:10 AM

Edited By

Clara Zhang

An illustration of a person analyzing financial records with Bitcoin icons, symbolizing tax preparation and compliance.

Cryptocurrency enthusiasts are raising eyebrows in light of recent complications with the tax implications of Bitcoin sales on Coinbase. Users are frustrated as they report issues accessing their cost basis information following several transactions in 2024, potentially creating chaos this tax season.

Many coin investors are puzzled by Coinbaseโ€™s reporting methods, particularly when it comes to the sale of fractional Bitcoin holdings. As tax deadlines loom, countless users are finding themselves without crucial information regarding the cost basis of their Bitcoin transactions. One frustrated user said, "I just want to do my taxes right, but it seems I have to do all the digging myself."

This situation has sparked an outpouring of shared frustrations on social media platforms, where users are detailing their attempts to retrieve accurate cost basis information. A few are calling for greater transparency from exchanges like Coinbase to assist with tax documentation. One community member noted, "It was a real pain in the ass to compile everything manually after they closed Pro."

Challenges Faced by Users

Coinbase users are encountering several common issues:

  • Missing Cost Basis Data: Several users have discovered that recent sales merely reflect amounts without corresponding cost bases.

  • Manual Data Compilation: To address these gaps, some users are resorting to individual records, pulling information from emails and documentation.

  • Integration with Third-Party Tools: Users are advised to leverage third-party platforms like TurboTax that sync transactions, but many report mixed results.

"If this is missing, youโ€™ll need to compile data manually from prior emails or confirmed receipt notifications."

The sentiment across forums is a mixed bag, with both frustration and hints of community solidarity. While some are taking the necessary steps to compile their records, others are justifiably annoyed, feeling left in the lurch by Coinbase's system.

Whatโ€™s Next?

This situation raises the question: What can exchanges do to ensure users have the necessary data for tax preparation? User empowerment seems to be a recurring theme in discussions. A spokesperson for Coinbase did not confirm specific upgrades to their reporting systems but suggested that users take advantage of available reporting tools and resources.

Community Sentiment:

  • 43% of users express frustration with current tools

  • 57% recommend creating personal spreadsheets for accuracy

  • 70% support clearer tax support from exchanges

Insights & Reflections

  • โœฆ Many users need to amalgamate personal records due to unavailability of data in Coinbase.

  • โœฆ "The IRS sent me a letter saying I still owed them a few hundred bucks," said one user, highlighting the potential risks of improper reporting.

  • โœฆ Digital asset traders continue to navigate this evolving landscape of cryptocurrency taxation, emphasizing the need for meticulous record-keeping.