Paying Taxes on Crypto Currency?

Do you owe taxes on crypto currency?  Chances are you’re safe if you have no idea what that is, although some parents were unaware that their high-school and college aged children were trading in Bitcoin.  The IRS is currently cracking down on tax evaders with digital holdings through two versions of a warning letter. The first implying the tax payer may have no knowledge of these accounts, and the second enforcing a deadline for recipients to disclose all of their crypto transactions or risk legal recourse.  Accounting Today suggests the best ways to handle these tax situations based on the type of letter received in the article, Crypto tax avoiders face IRS roulette: Fess up or try to hide .

Portfolio Planning

Wondering about Bitcoin?  Consider first if it fits within your investment portfolio.  Carl Richards for the New York Times reminds us that investing is very different than speculating.  Our decisions should be based on the process and not the outcome, which no one can actually predict.  Plan your goals and focus on diversification and then decide if Bitcoin or any other investment opportunity is right for you.