A Complete Guide to NFT Taxes: Understanding NFT Tax Rates and Reporting Requirements

Getting a grip on NFT taxes can seem tricky at first, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re involved in buying or selling NFTs, you’ll want to understand NFT tax rates and what they mean for you.

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have quickly gained popularity in the digital realm, sparking interest among investors, creators, and enthusiasts alike. However, as with any valuable asset, understanding the tax implications of NFTs is crucial to navigate the legal landscape and ensure proper reporting to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of NFT taxes, exploring the key aspects that every NFT participant should be aware of. From the IRS classification of NFTs to the different types of NFT income and how they are taxed, this guide will provide you with the essential knowledge to stay compliant and optimize your NFT tax strategy.

IRS Guidance on NFTs: Digital Assets and Form 1099-DA

The IRS has categorized NFTs under "digital assets" for tax purposes, aiming to streamline reporting and enhance taxpayer compliance. This classification aligns NFTs with other virtual currencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, in terms of their treatment as property.

As part of this effort, brokers dealing in NFTs and other digital assets will be required to report transactions on a new Form 1099-DA, starting in 2025. This form will provide the necessary details on each NFT transaction, including the gross proceeds, acquisition date, and any other relevant information, to facilitate accurate tax calculation by the NFT holder.

NFT Taxes for Creators: Minting, Selling, and Royalties

For NFT creators, the IRS examines several ways in which NFTs can generate income, and each method is generally taxed differently. Here's a closer look:

1. Minting NFTs: When a creator mints (creates) an NFT, it's not considered taxable at that moment. However, any fees they incur during the minting process, such as blockchain "gas fees," may be deductible. The tax liability arises when the NFT is sold, with the sale price (less any costs) being treated as income.

2. Selling NFTs: When creators sell an NFT, the IRS typically treats the income as regular business income, especially if selling NFTs is part of their primary work (e.g., an NFT artist selling their artwork). If it's more of a side project, they may still owe capital gains tax on any profit made, depending on how the activity is classified (hobby vs. business).

3. Earning royalties on NFTs: For royalties from NFTs, the IRS has yet to issue specific guidance on how they should be taxed. However, based on general tax rules, royalty income from NFTs is likely treated as ordinary income if you're consistently creating or selling NFTs as part of a professional activity, similar to other creative work.

For creators who actively engage in selling NFTs, these royalties would usually be included in the total income and reported on tax returns as self-employment income. This treatment follows the tax approach for business income, which is generally subject to both income tax and potentially self-employment tax.

On the other hand, if a creator is not regularly engaged in NFT sales but instead receives royalties from a one-off sale, that income might be treated as passive income. Passive income from royalties is typically reported on Form Schedule E (Supplemental Income and Loss) rather than as regular business income.

NFT Taxes for Investors: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Capital Gains

When an investor sells an NFT for more than they paid, they need to pay tax on the profit. The tax rate depends on how long they held the NFT. If it was less than a year, it's a "short-term" gain, taxed like regular income (from 10% to 37%). If held longer than a year, it's "long-term" and taxed between 0% and 20%, depending on income.

In case the NFT is a "collectible," like some rare art or trading cards, the tax rate can go as high as 28% for long-term gains.

Sales Tax When Buying NFTs: State Thresholds and Economic Activity

When you buy NFTs, sales tax can come into play, but it depends on where you live. Some states, like Washington and Michigan, have rules that apply sales tax to NFT sales. If a creator sells NFTs as a business and meets certain thresholds – like selling more than $100,000 or completing over 200 transactions in a year – they usually must collect sales tax from buyers.

Most states enforce this rule based on a 2018 Supreme Court ruling, meaning businesses don’t need a physical presence in a state to owe sales tax if they meet economic activity thresholds.

However, buyers typically don’t have to worry about sales tax directly; sellers or platforms like OpenSea should handle it if applicable. As of now, platforms like OpenSea and Rarible don’t track buyer locations, which complicates compliance efforts.

But remember, not all states treat NFTs the same. For example, Michigan does not tax NFTs that represent purely