NFT marketplace X2Y2 shuts down after 3 years, pivots to AI
Non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace X2Y2 announced it is shutting down after three years of operation.According to a March 31 announcement, X2Y2 will shut down on April 30, with the team switching its focus to an artificial intelligence project. The team shared its enthusiasm for the rapidly growing sector:“It’s a pivot. Over the last 12 months, we’ve been diving deep into AI—hands down the biggest paradigm shift we’ll see in our lifetimes—and how it can transform crypto. We’re building something new.“Token Terminal data shows that X2Y2 saw $53.6 million worth of trading volume over the last 365 days. While this is a far cry from market leader Blur with its $3 billion worth of trading volume, it still awards the protocol fourth place behind Blur, OpenSea and Immutable.X2Y2 365-day trading volume chart. Source: Token TerminalCharu Sethi, president at NFT-focused Polkadot and Kusama chain Unique Network, said the decision is not a sign of decline in the NFT market. She told Cointelegraph:“The speculative phase focused on collectibles and trading is over, but NFTs are now entering their next growth era as core infrastructure enabling massive opportunities in gaming, AI, fan engagement and content authentication. “Related: The ABCD of AI: Automation, big data, computer vision and deep learningReal-world implementation is keySethi highlighted initiatives such as Mythical Games issuing large numbers of NFTs on Polkadot meant for in-game integration following a $75 million fundraise in 2021. She also pointed out a DappRadar report showing that the blockchain gaming sector reached 7.4 million daily unique active wallets in 2024.According to Sethi, “X2Y2’s experience highlights that NFT platforms cannot rely solely on marketplace network effects.” Instead, companies should focus on building communities and market resilience by building NFTs into real-world applications. She said that the key is in valuing utility over speculation.“Platforms should pivot toward utility-driven models that incentivize consistent user engagement, whether through gaming, sports fandom or AI-backed applications,” Sethi said. “Successful platforms will create ecosystems where NFTs are part of an ongoing value cycle, not just speculative trading assets,” she added.Alexander Salnikov, co-founder of the Rarible NFT marketplace, told Cointelegraph that the apparent slump is just part of a larger NFT market cycle. His comments echoed Sethi’s, who also said that utility is key:“NFTs remain one of the most powerful primitives in crypto, and the next wave will be led by projects that focus on strong use cases, whether in gaming, digital identity or brand engagement.”Related: Nvidia’s stock price forms’ death cross’ — Will AI crypto tokens follow?A new focusThe announcement was scant on details concerning the project that the X2Y2 team is focusing on. Still, the firm suggested that the readers should imagine “yields in a permissionless way, powered by AI.”The new platform will reportedly allow users to earn profits throughout bear and bull markets and entire market cycles, in what is presumably a somewhat decentralized variation on AI-powered trading:“This isn’t just another project; it’s our shot at creating real, long-term value in crypto for the broader community we’re proud to serve.“The announcement follows early February reports that tokens tied to artificial intelligence agents were down by as much as 90% from 2024 highs. Still, recent reports suggest that the rise of AI-driven crypto agents may be following a familiar trajectory that mirrors the initial boom, bust and resurgence of ICO-era projects.Magazine: ‘Chernobyl’ needed to wake people to AI risks, Studio Ghibli memes: AI Eye
XRP bulls in ‘denial’ as price trend mirrors previous 75-90% crashes
XRP (XRP) has lost more than 40% since hitting a multi-year high near $3.40 in January, and onchain data suggests the downtrend could deepen in the weeks ahead.“Denial” preceding past 75-90% XRP crashes is backXRP’s Net Unrealized Profit/Loss (NUPL) data from Glassnode suggests the token may be heading for another extended downturn. The metric, which gauges the aggregate unrealized gains or losses of XRP holders, has historically served as a reliable barometer of potential trend reversals. In past market cycles, NUPL has peaked in the so-called “euphoria” zone just before major price tops. In 2018, XRP soared above $3.00 as NUPL signaled extreme optimism, only to collapse 90% to below $0.30 as sentiment deteriorated through “denial” and into “capitulation.” XRP NUPL historical performance chart. Source: GlassnodeA similar pattern played out in 2021 when XRP hit $1.96 before sliding 75% to $0.50 amid a sharp shift from euphoria to fear.As of March 2025, XRP’s NUPL has once again entered the “denial” zone, with the price trading around $2.50 following a strong rally. If the pattern holds, XRP could face further downsides akin to the bear markets in 2018 and 2021.XRP/USD weekly price chart. Source: TradingViewXRP now faces similar risks, trading sideways between $1.80 and $3.40, following a blistering 585% rally in just two months.The rally accelerated after pro-crypto candidate Donald Trump won the US presidential election, while speculation grew around Ripple’s potential victory in its SEC lawsuit and the possible approval of a spot XRP ETF in 2025.Related: SEC dropping XRP case was ‘priced in’ since Trump’s election: AnalystsAs a result of these supportive fundamentals, some traders said XRP’s ongoing consolidation may eventually lead to a breakout. That includes market analyst Stellar Babe, who anticipates XRP’s price to gain 450%. Technical fractal suggests XRP is topping out XRP’s weekly chart suggests a bearish fractal from 2021 may be unfolding again.In both 2021 and 2025, the XRP price formed a local top while the RSI printed a lower high, signaling bearish divergence and weakening upside momentum.XRP/USD weekly price chart. Source: TradingViewBack in 2021, that divergence preceded an 85.50% sell-off that broke below the 50-week (the red wave) and 200-week (the blue wave) exponential moving averages (EMA) supports.In 2025, XRP has again shown a similar RSI divergence, followed by a 40%-plus decline from its recent highs. It now risks an extended decline toward the 50-week EMA at around $1.58, down about 21.6% from the current price levels by June. If the correction deepens and breaks below the 50-week EMA support, history suggests XRP could slide further toward the 200-week EMA around $0.87, or about 60% from the current price levels.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
BNB Chain catches memecoin wave as Solana wipes out
BNB Chain, the EVM-compatible network tied to cryptocurrency exchange Binance, is experiencing a resurgence in the decentralized finance (DeFi) and memecoin spaces just as some of its rivals face an identity crisis.For most of 2024 and into early 2025, Solana dominated the retail DeFi narrative. It became the network of choice for memecoins tied to celebrities, influencers and political figures, including US President Donald Trump.However, the ecosystem took a reputational hit after Argentine President Javier Milei jumped on the memecoin bandwagon. His associated project, “Libra,” was accused of insider trading. The controversy dented trust in Solana’s memecoin sector and opened the door for competitors.BNB Chain has seized the moment, capturing displaced memecoin volume. The chain has its own memecoin platform, Four.Meme — comparable to Solana’s Pump.fun — and introduced daily competitions to promote new projects and subsidize their liquidity. Some of these memecoins have even gone on to secure listings on Binance itself.This momentum is clearly reflected in the trading volume of the network’s top decentralized exchange (DEX), PancakeSwap. In a two-week stretch from March 15, PancakeSwap led all EVM chains’ DEX volume on nine separate days, according to Dune Analytics data.PancakeSwap on BNB Chain dominates the second half of March in DEX volume. Source: Dune Analytics“It’s worth noting that PancakeSwap’s recent volume spike likely stems from renewed retail enthusiasm for BNB memecoins. Unlike other ecosystems where meme-related volume has declined over recent weeks, BNB Chain has seen significant growth in this sector,” said Justin Barlow, head of business development and investments at Sei Foundation.In a written analysis shared with Cointelegraph on March 27, Barlow reviewed CoinGecko data and found that just two BNB memecoins were responsible for roughly 13% of PancakeSwap’s daily trading volume.Related: Insider trading allegations surface as TRUMP memecoin floods Solana DEXsBNB Chain’s reversal of fortuneBNB Chain launched in 2020 as Binance Smart Chain, positioning itself as a low-cost, fast and EVM-compatible alternative to Ethereum at a time when high gas fees and limited L1 options made Ethereum less accessible.It quickly attracted developers and users but developed a reputation for scammy projects and faced criticism for centralization. As regulatory pressure on Binance mounted, activity on the chain declined while more decentralized and innovative ecosystems like Ethereum L2s and Solana gained momentum.PancakeSwap has become the centerpiece of BNB Chain’s resurgence, sustaining high-volume trading across the network. According to DefiLlama, BNB Chain led all blockchains in DEX volume for eight days during the two-week period starting March 15 — the same stretch in which PancakeSwap dominated the EVM DEX landscape.Binance-linked BNB Chain dominates second-half of March. Source: DefiLlama“DEX volumes are a clear signal of user engagement and interest in DeFi, and sustained activity on a platform like PancakeSwap suggests that retail interest in BNB Chain and its memecoin ecosystem is growing,” Barlow said. A byproduct of DEX volume growth is higher yields for liquidity providers.In addition to DEX volume, BNB Chain recently led the industry in active addresses among EVM networks — and was second only to Solana across all blockchain ecosystems over the past week.Binance-backed growth, memecoin liquidity and BroccoliThe resurgence of BNB Chain is closely linked to the boom in memecoins. In February, BNB Chain published its 2025 tech roadmap, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the memecoin ecosystem. “We are happy to see many of the meme tool providers integrate with BNB Chain. And we will continue to work closely with them in 2025 and beyond,” the announcement said.Just days later, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao posted on X that his dog’s name is Broccoli, a remark that sparked a wave of Broccoli-themed memecoins on BNB Chain. Zhao added that he would not be issuing a memecoin himself but would “likely interact” with a few tokens on the network.Source: Changpeng ZhaoMemecoin activity has been surging ever since. One example came in late March; in a now-viral trade, one trader reportedly invested $232 into the Mubarak memecoin to profit $1.1 million, according to Lookonchain.Savvy trader flips $232 of Mubarak memecoin into $1.1 million. Source: LookonchainBNB Chain has also outpaced competitors in several core DeFi metrics. It recently surpassed both Solana and Ethereum L2s in daily fees generated. To further support the momentum, BNB Chain launched the “BNB Chain Meme Liquidity Support Program” on Feb. 18. The initiative provides $200,000 in permanent liquidity to top-performing memecoins.“Memecoins are absolutely driving the recent activity. You can see it in the sharp increase in the number of newly created tokens and the uptick in smaller trade sizes, which often accompany memecoin speculation. When TVL remains stable but volume spikes, it’s usually retail trading that’s driving the difference — and right now, that energy is heavily concentrated in BNB Chain’s meme sector,” Rachel Lin, CEO of DEX SynFutures, told Cointelegraph.Related: XRP and Solana race toward the next crypto ETF approvalSolana vs. BNB: Who owns the memecoin crown?Data suggests that Solana’s memecoin sector is cooling off. According to Solscan, token launches dropped to around 26,300 on March 22, the lowest since November. Daily transaction volume also hit a low of under 43 million on March 1, according to Nansen, the lowest figure since November.Solana’s transaction volume is also on a downward trend along with cooling memecoin activity. Source: NansenEven in a downtrend, Solana’s activity levels remain significantly higher than BNB Chain’s. Nansen data shows that Solana’s lowest transaction day still outpaced BNB Chain’s peak of 7.8 million transactions. But momentum appears to be shifting.BNB Chain’s transactions have risen but are still far behind Solana. Source: NansenPump.fun, Solana’s memecoin launchpad, is also seeing signs of fatigue. Fewer than 1% of new tokens meet the platform’s requirements to become tradable. The drop in bonding levels points to a cooling period for Solana’s memecoin market. But this doesn’t necessarily signal a shift in long-term dominance, said Alan Orwick, co-founder of Quai Network. “This pattern reflects the cyclical nature of speculative interest across blockchain ecosystems, which ultimately brings renewed energy to DeFi.”“This rotation appears to be influenced by regional preferences, with increased Asian market participation driving activity on Binance-related platforms,” Orwick said. Lin of SynFutures added that the key difference between Solana and BNB Chain’s momentum is the audience: “Solana has become more native to crypto traders, whereas BNB Chain draws a more global, retail-first crowd. We’re not necessarily seeing one chain dominate long-term, but rather a rotation of capital and attention depending on user behavior and transaction economics.”The rise of BNB Chain amid Solana’s slowdown highlights the fast-moving, cyclical nature of crypto markets, especially in the memecoin space. While Solana still leads in raw activity, BNB Chain is proving it can capture retail attention and drive meaningful volume when the moment is right. With strong backing from Binance, dedicated liquidity programs and viral meme momentum, BNB Chain has reclaimed relevance in DeFi.Magazine: Memecoins are ded — But Solana ‘100x better’ despite revenue plunge
Japanese firm Metaplanet issues $13.3M in bonds to buy more Bitcoin
Metaplanet — a Japanese firm following in Strategy’s footsteps by focusing on accumulating Bitcoin — issued 2 billion Japanese yen ($13.3 million) of bonds to buy more BTC.According to a March 31 filing, Metaplanet issued the zero-interest bonds by allocating them via its Evo Fund to fuel its Bitcoin purchases. Investors will be allowed to redeem the newly-issued securities at full face value by Sept. 30.The firm’s CEO, Simon Gerovich, wrote in an X post that the company was taking advantage of the recent downturn in Bitcoin prices. The announcement comes as Bitcoin changed hands for about $82,000 at the time of writing, down 25% from its all-time high of over $109,000.Related: Metaplanet share price rises 4,800% as company stacks BTCSource: Simon GerovichMetaplanet is Asia’s top corporate Bitcoin holder and the 10th in the world, according to BitcoinTrasuries data. Currently, the firm owns about 3,200 Bitcoin worth about $1.23 billion.Following in the footsteps of giantsMetaplanet is often called “Asia’s MicroStrategy,” as its corporate plan closely mirrors that of Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), the US-based market intelligence firm that shifted its primary focus to accumulating Bitcoin (BTC). Metaplanet’s US-based older brother is the top corporate Bitcoin holder with over 500,000 BTC in its coffers, worth nearly $82 billion, more than 2% of the 21 million Bitcoin supply limit.Related: Metaplanet tips first operating profit in 7 years, boosted by BitcoinEarlier this month, Metaplanet purchased 150 Bitcoin, chipping away at its objective of accumulating 21,000 BTC by 2026. At the beginning of March, the firm’s stock jumped 19% in less than a day after it splurged $44 million to add Bitcoin to its coffers.Also, this month, Metaplanet started exploring a potential US listing as the company acquired another 156 BTC. Gerovich said at the time:“We are considering the best way to make Metaplanet shares more accessible to investors around the world.”An increasingly influential companyMetaplanet is making powerful friends in the US political landscape. Earlier in March, the company appointed US President Donald Trump’s son Eric to its newly established strategic board of advisers to further Metaplanet’s mission to become a “global leader in the Bitcoin economy.” Company representatives said at the time:“Eric Trump brings a wealth of experience in real estate, finance, brand development, and strategic business growth and has become a leading voice and advocate of digital asset adoption worldwide.“Magazine: Bitcoin ATH sooner than expected? XRP may drop 40%, and more: Hodler’s Digest, March 23 – 29
Michael Saylor’s Strategy buys Bitcoin dip with $1.9B purchase
Michael Saylor’s Strategy bought nearly $2 billion of Bitcoin, taking advantage of a recent price dip despite growing market concerns tied to US President Donald Trump’s upcoming tariff announcement.Strategy, formerly MicroStrategy, acquired 22,048 Bitcoin (BTC) for $1.92 billion at an average price of $86,969 per Bitcoin.The company now holds over 528,000 Bitcoin acquired for $35.63 billion at an average price of $67,458 per BTC, announced Saylor, the co-founder of Strategy, in a March 31 X post.Source: Michael SaylorStrategy is the world’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder and surpassed the 500,000 Bitcoin holdings milestone on March 24, days after Saylor hinted at an upcoming Bitcoin buy as the company announced the pricing of its latest tranche of preferred stock on March 21.The firm is currently up over 21% on its Bitcoin holdings with an unrealized profit of over $7.7 billion, according to Saylortracker data.Strategy total Bitcoin holdings, all-time chart. Source: SaylortrackerStrategy’s near $2 billion dip buy comes despite investor concerns related to Trump’s upcoming tariff announcement on April 2, which may set the tone for Bitcoin’s price trajectory throughout the month.Related: Bitcoin ‘more likely’ to hit $110K before $76.5K — Arthur HayesThe April 2 announcement is expected to detail reciprocal trade tariffs targeting top US trading partners, a development that may increase inflation-related concerns and limit demand for risk assets like Bitcoin.“This sell-off isn’t the end of the bull run — it’s a healthy reset,” Andrei Grachev, managing partner of DWF Labs, told Cointelegraph. “Markets overreact to tariffs and macro headlines, but long-term fundamentals haven’t changed.”Related: Crypto debanking is not over until Jan 2026: Caitlin LongMicroStrategy may owe taxes on unrealized Bitcoin gainsDespite never selling any Bitcoin, Strategy may have to pay taxes on its unrealized gains of over $7.7 billion, which had previously soared to $19 billion at the end of January, Cointelegraph reported.The firm may have to pay federal income taxes on its unrealized gains, according to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.The act established a “corporate alternative minimum tax” under which Strategy would qualify for a 15% tax rate based on the adjusted version of the company’s earnings, according to a Jan. 24 report in The Wall Street Journal.Still, the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may create an exemption for BTC under Trump’s more crypto-friendly administration.Magazine: Bitcoin ATH sooner than expected? XRP may drop 40%, and more: Hodler’s Digest, March 23 – 29
Ethereum price down almost 50% since Eric Trump's 'add ETH' endorsement
Ethereum’s native token, Ether (ETH) has lost almost half its value two months after Eric Trump, son of US President Donald Trump, told his 5.7 million followers that it was a “great time” to add the biggest altcoin to their portfolios.Source: X/Eric TrumpPresident Trump spoils son’s bullish ETH outlookAs of March 31, Ether was trading for as low as $1,820, down approximately 40% since Eric Trump’s bullish tweet.ETH/USD daily price chart. Source: TradingViewMeanwhile, Ether’s crypto market share has plunged from 10.28% at the time of Eric Trump’s X post to 8.39% as of March 31, the lowest since 2020.Ethereum Dominance Index daily chart. Source: TradingViewA series of market headwinds blindsided traders following Eric Trump’s comment.For instance, on Feb. 21, Bybit, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, suffered a major security breach in which it lost approximately $1.5 billion in Ether, marking the largest cryptocurrency heist to date.President Trump’s escalating tariff war against Canada, Mexico, and China also intensified selling across Ethereum and the broader crypto market. His 25% tariffs on auto imports, which are set to go live on April 3, are further dampening risk sentiment.Michaël van de Poppe, the co-founder of crypto portfolio management firm MN Consultancy, doubted an Ether price rebound in the coming days, adding that the markets should anticipate an ETH bottom when gold price peaks.Source: X/Michaël van de PoppeGold, a traditional risk-off asset, has surged 17.60% year-to-date to reach a record high of $3,085 an ounce.Trump-linked crypto platform grows ETH stashWorld Liberty Finance (WLFI), a decentralized finance firm associated with the Trump family, strategy transferred 73,783 ETH (~$212.60 million at the time) to Coinbase Prime two days after Eric Trump’s X post on Feb. 21.WLFI Ethereum holdings chart. Source: Arkham IntelligenceThe close timing of these events has led to speculation within the crypto community about Eric Trump’s intentions. That is despite WLFI’s clarification that the transfer was part of routine treasury management and not indicative of an intent to sell off their holdings. Source: EmperorWLFI has made several multimillion-dollar crypto purchases just ahead of key industry events tied to President Trump. Notably, the firm acquired $20 million worth of various tokens in the days leading up to the March 7 White House Crypto Summit, raising eyebrows over the timing and potential strategic intent.Similarly, critics have raised concerns about Donald Trump’s new stablecoin, USD1, citing a conflict of interest.WLFI has more than tripled its Ether holdings since the Feb. 23 transfer. However, even this aggressive accumulation—coupled with a broader uptick in whales’ ETH holdings—has done little to reignite bullish sentiment in the Ethereum market.How low can Ethereum price go in April?If technical indicators are any cue, Ether’s price can still go below $1,500 in April, down about 20% from the current price levels.Notably, as of March 30, the ETH/USD pair had entered the breakdown stage of what appears to be a bear flag pattern.ETH/USD daily price chart. Source: TradingViewThis technical setup forms when the price consolidates higher after a sharp downturn and typically resolves when the price breaks below the lower trendline, falling by as much as the previous decline’s height.Applying this technical rule brings $1,490 as Ether’s next downside target in April.Double-bottom may start 35% price reboundBut all hope isn’t lost for the bulls. A sharp rebound from the current support levels at around $1,800 may still invalidate the bear flag setup. Instead, it may trigger a double-bottom pattern, which could help ETH’s price rebound toward $2,500 by April.ETH/USD daily price chart. Source: TradingViewA double bottom typically appears after a prolonged downtrend and is characterized by two distinct troughs near the same price level, followed by a breakout above the interim high—known as the neckline.Related: Ethereum futures premium hits 1+ year low — Is it time to buy the ETH bottom?ETH has printed two bottoms around the $1,800 support zone, with the neckline resistance near $2,094.A decisive break above the neckline could confirm this pattern, staging the price for recovery by as much as the pattern’s maximum height. That puts ETH’s upside target at around $2,500, up 35% from the current prices.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
Stablecoins, tokenized assets gain as Trump tariffs loom
Cryptocurrency investors are increasingly moving capital into stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) in a bid to avoid volatility ahead of US President Donald Trump’s widely anticipated tariff announcement on April 2.Increasingly more capital is flowing into stablecoins and the real-world asset (RWA) tokenization sector, which refers to financial products and tangible assets such as real estate and fine art minted on the blockchain.“Stablecoins and RWAs continue to see steady inflows of capital as safe havens in the current uncertain market,” crypto intelligence platform IntoTheBlock wrote in a March 31 X post.“However, because these assets reside on-chain, even slight shifts in sentiment can trigger significant price movements, driven by the lower barriers to reallocating capital in real time,” the firm noted.Stablecoins, total market cap. Source: IntoTheBlockThe flight to safety is mainly attributed to geopolitical tensions and global trade concerns, according to Juan Pellicer, senior research analyst at IntoTheBlock:“Many investors were expecting economic tailwinds following Trump’s inauguration as president, but increased geopolitical tensions, tariffs and general political uncertainty are making investors more cautious.”“This is not unreasonable, as even though global growth forecasts remain positive, growth expectations have decreased globally in recent months,” he added.Related: Bitcoin ‘more likely’ to hit $110K before $76.5K — Arthur HayesThe prospect of a global trade war has heightened inflation-related concerns, causing a significant decline in both cryptocurrency and traditional equity markets.S&P 500, BTC/USD, 1-day chart. Source: TradingView Bitcoin (BTC) has fallen 19% and the S&P 500 (SPX) index has fallen over 7% in the two months since Trump announced import tariffs on Chinese goods on Jan. 20, the day of his inauguration as president.The April 2 announcement is expected to detail reciprocal trade tariffs targeting top US trading partners. The measures aim to reduce the country’s estimated $1.2 trillion goods trade deficit and boost domestic manufacturing.Related: Stablecoin rules needed in US before crypto tax reform, experts sayInvestor sentiment pressured by April 2 Trump tariff announcementGlobal tariff fears and uncertainty around the upcoming announcement continue to pressure investor sentiment in global markets.“Risk appetite remains muted amid tariff threats from President Trump and ongoing macro uncertainty,” Iliya Kalchev, dispatch analyst at digital asset investment platform Nexo, told Cointelegraph.Meanwhile, RWAs reached a new cumulative all-time high of over $17 billion on Feb. 3, and are currently less than 0.5% away from surpassing the $20 billion milestone, according to data from RWA.xyz.RWA global market dashboard. Source: RWA.xyzSome industry watchers said that Bitcoin’s lack of upside momentum may drive RWAs to a $50 billion all-time high before the end of 2025, as their increased liquidity will help RWAs attract a significant share of the $450 trillion global asset market.Magazine: SCB tips $500K BTC, SEC delays Ether ETF options, and more: Hodler’s Digest, Feb. 23 – March 1
How to file crypto taxes in the US (2024–2025 tax season)
Key takeawaysUS crypto investors must file their 2024 tax returns by April 15, 2025, ensuring all crypto transactions are accurately reported to the IRS.Crypto held for less than a year is taxed as ordinary income (10%-37%), while holdings over a year qualify for lower capital gains rates (0%, 15%, or 20%).Selling, trading, or spending crypto triggers taxes, while holding or transferring between wallets does not.Mining, staking, airdrops, and crypto payments are taxed as income at applicable rates.The world of cryptocurrencies can indeed be an exciting space for investors, but as the tax season approaches, many US investors find themselves grappling with confusion and uncertainty. With the upcoming tax filing deadline of April 15, 2025, it’s a critical time to get a handle on crypto tax obligations. Ask most US crypto investors, and they’ll likely tell you that figuring out what transactions trigger a taxable event feels like navigating a maze.Understanding various aspects of tax filing is crucial for accurately filing taxes, avoiding penalties and staying compliant with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This article breaks down key elements like tax brackets, rates, exemptions and other critical details. How does the IRS tax crypto?The Internal Revenue Service, the agency responsible for collecting US federal taxes, treats cryptocurrencies as property for tax purposes. You pay taxes on gains realized when selling, trading or disposing of cryptocurrencies. For short-term capital gains (held less than a year), you pay taxes at the rates of 10%–37%, depending on your income bracket. Long-term capital gains (assets held for over a year) benefit from reduced rates of 0%, 15% or 20%, also based on your taxable income.When you dispose of cryptocurrency for more than its purchase price, you generate a capital gain. Conversely, selling below the purchase price results in a capital loss. You must report both your capital gains and losses for the year in which the transaction occurs, with gains being taxable and losses potentially offsetting gains to reduce your tax liability. With the upcoming April 15, 2025, deadline for filing 2024 tax returns, US crypto investors need to ensure these transactions are accurately tracked and reported.To illustrate, suppose you purchased Ether (ETH) worth $1,000 in 2023 and sold it after a year in 2024 for $1,200, netting a $200 profit. The IRS would tax that $200 as a long-term capital gain, applying the appropriate rate based on your 2024 income.Taxes are categorized as capital gains tax or income tax, depending on the type of transactions:Capital gains tax: Applies to selling crypto, using crypto to purchase goods or services, or trading one cryptocurrency for another.Income tax: Applies to crypto earned through mining, staking, receiving it as payment for work, or referral bonuses from exchanges.These distinctions are crucial for accurate reporting by the April 15 deadline. Gains are taxed, while losses can help offset taxable income, so detailed record-keeping is a must.Did you know? In Australia, gifting cryptocurrency triggers a capital gains tax (CGT) event. The giver may need to report gains or losses based on the asset’s market value at the time of transfer, though certain gifts — like those between spouses — may qualify for exemptions. While this differs from US rules, it highlights how crypto taxation varies globally.How crypto tax rates work in the USIn the US, your crypto tax rate depends on your income and how long you’ve held the cryptocurrency. Long-term capital gains tax rates range from 0% to 20%, and short-term rates align with ordinary income tax rates of 10%–37%. Transferring crypto between your own wallets or selling it at a loss doesn’t trigger a tax liability.You only owe taxes when you sell your crypto, whether for cash or for any other cryptocurrency. Consider this example: Suppose you bought crypto for $1,000 in 2024, and by 2025, its value rose to $2,000. If you don’t sell, no tax is due — unrealized gains aren’t taxable.If you sell cryptocurrency after holding it for a year or less, your profits are subject to short-term capital gains tax. These gains are taxed as ordinary income, meaning they are added to your total taxable earnings for the year. Tax rates are progressive, based on income brackets, so different portions of your income are taxed at different rates. For instance, a single filer in 2025 pays 10% on the first $11,000 of taxable income and 12% on income up to $44,725. Short-term rates are higher than long-term rates, so timing your sales can significantly impact your tax bill.Understanding crypto capital gains tax in the USIf you sell cryptocurrency after holding it for a year or less, your profits are subject to short-term capital gains tax. These gains are treated as ordinary income and added to your total taxable earnings for the year. Since tax rates are based on income brackets, different portions of your earnings are taxed at different rates, as explained above. 2024–2025 federal income tax brackets for crypto earningsHere are the federal income tax rates for the 2024–2025 tax year. You apply the 2024 tax brackets to income earned in the 2024 calendar year, reported on tax returns filed in 2025.Long-term capital gains tax for crypto earned in 2024You pay long-term capital gains tax if you sell cryptocurrency after holding it for more than a year. Unlike short-term gains, these aren’t taxed as ordinary income. Instead, tax rates are based on your total taxable income and filing status. Long-term capital gains tax rates are 0%, 15% or 20%, making them lower than short-term rates. Holding crypto longer can reduce your tax burden significantly.Here is a table outlining long-term crypto capital gains tax for the calendar year 2024. These rates are applicable when filing tax returns in 2025.2024–2025 standard deduction: Reduce your crypto taxable incomeThe standard deduction is the portion of your income that’s exempt from federal taxes before tax rates are applied, reducing your taxable income.Here is a table regarding tax deductions in the calendar year 2024. These amounts are applicable when filing for tax returns in 2025.How are crypto airdrops taxed in the US?In the US, crypto airdrops are treated as ordinary income by the IRS and taxed at the time they come under the taxpayer’s full control. The taxable amount is based on the tokens’ fair market value at that moment, even if the taxpayer didn’t request them. Later, selling or trading those tokens may trigger capital gains tax, depending on the price difference between receipt and disposal.The taxable event hinges on control: If tokens automatically appear in a taxpayer’s wallet, the income is typically recognized upon arrival. If the tokens require manual claiming (e.g., through a transaction), the taxable event occurs when the claim is completed. Either way, the fair market value at that point determines the income reported.When the taxpayer sells or trades the airdropped tokens, they incur a capital gain or loss, calculated as the difference between the value at receipt (the basis) and the value at sale or trade. Moreover, the holding periods matter: If sold within a year, gains are taxed at ordinary income rates (10%–37%, based on income brackets). If held longer than a year, gains qualify for lower long-term capital gains rates (0%, 15% or 20%, depending on income). Proper tracking of receipt dates and values is essential for accurate tax reporting.Crypto gifting rules and tax implications in the USIn the US, gifting cryptocurrency is generally not a taxable event for either the giver or the recipient, meaning no immediate tax is owed. However, specific thresholds and reporting requirements must be followed to stay compliant with IRS rules. For the 2024 tax year (filed by April 15, 2025), if the total value of crypto gifts to a single recipient exceeds $18,000, the giver must file a gift tax return using Form 709. When the recipient eventually sells the gifted cryptocurrency, they’ll calculate capital gains or losses based on the giver’s original cost basis — the price the giver paid for the crypto. If this cost basis isn’t documented or available, the recipient may need to assume a basis of $0, which could increase their taxable gain upon sale. To avoid complications, both parties should keep detailed records of the gift’s fair market value at the time of transfer and the giver’s original cost basis.Did you know? In the UK, giving cryptocurrency as a gift may result in capital gains tax for the giver, except for gifts to spouses or civil partners. Additionally, inheritance tax could apply if the giver dies within seven years of the gift.Essential forms for filing crypto taxes in 2024With the April 15, 2025, deadline nearing, here are the key forms for reporting 2024 crypto transactions:Form 8949: For reporting capital gains and losses from crypto sales, trades and disposals. Each transaction must be listed individually.Schedule D (Form 1040): Summarizes total capital gains and losses from Form 8949; used for calculating taxable income.Schedule 1 (Form 1040): Reports additional income, including staking rewards, airdrops and hard forks, if classified as taxable income.Schedule C (Form 1040): Used by self-employed individuals or businesses to report crypto-related income from mining, consulting or freelance work.Form 1099-MISC: Issued for staking, mining or payment income over $600Form 1040: The main return form to combine income, deductions and tax liability.FBAR (FinCEN Form 114): File separately if foreign crypto accounts exceeded $10,000 in 2024.Step-by-step guide to filing crypto taxes for the 2024–2025 tax seasonHere’s how to file, step by step, leveraging the detailed tax rates and forms outlined above.Step 1: Gather all crypto transaction recordsCollect records for every 2024 crypto transaction:Dates of buying, selling, trading or receiving cryptoAmounts (e.g., 0.5 Bitcoin) and US dollar fair market value (FMV) at the timeCost basis (what you paid, including fees) and proceeds (what you received).To ensure complete records, pull data from wallets, exchanges (e.g., Coinbase) and blockchain explorers. Export transaction histories or CSVs, and note staking rewards, airdrops or mining income separately with their FMV on receipt.Step 2: Identify taxable eventsPinpoint which 2024 actions trigger taxes:Taxable: Selling crypto for cash/stablecoins, trading crypto, spending crypto or earning it (mining, staking, airdrops).Non-taxable: Buying and holding with USD, moving crypto between your wallets, gifting up to $18,000 per recipient.Classify each taxable event as short-term (≤1 year) or long-term (>1 year) for rate purposes.Step 3: Calculate capital gains and lossesFor taxable sales or trades:Formula: Proceeds (FMV at disposal) – Cost Basis = Gain/LossExample: Bought 1 Ether (ETH) for $2,000 in May 2024, sold for $2,500 in November 2024 = $500 short-term gain.Use first-in, first-out or specific identification for cost basis (be consistent). Sum your net gains/losses. See the “2024 Federal Income Tax Brackets” section for how these are taxed.Step 4: Calculate crypto incomeFor earnings (mining, staking, airdrops):Record FMV in USD when received (e.g., 10 Cardano worth $5 on June 1, 2024 = $5 income).Add to your other 2024 income to set your tax bracket, detailed in the sections above.Step 5: Apply the 2024 standard deductionLower your taxable income with the standard deduction:Single: $14,600Married filing jointly: $29,200Head of household: $21,900Subtract this from total income (including short-term gains and crypto income). Long-term gains are taxed separately.Step 6: Determine your tax ratesApply rates to your gains and income (refer to “How Crypto Tax Rates Work in 2024”):Short-term gains and income: Ordinary rates (10%–37%).Long-term gains: 0%, 15% or 20%, based on income.Offset gains with losses (up to $3,000 net loss against other income; carry forward excess).Step 7: Complete the necessary tax formsFill out the required IRS forms (see “Essential Forms for Filing Crypto Taxes in 2024”):List capital gains/losses and income on Form 8949, Schedule D and Schedule 1 as applicable.Use Schedule C if self-employed (e.g., mining business).Combine everything on Form 1040.Check Form 1099-MISC if received and file FBAR for foreign accounts over $10,000.Step 8: File your return by April 15, 2025Submit via IRS e-file or mail, postmarked by April 15, 2025. Need more time? File Form 4868 for an extension to Oct. 15, 2025, but pay estimated taxes by April 15 to avoid penalties.Step 9: Pay any taxes owedEstimate your tax from Step 6, then pay via IRS Direct Pay or check. Late payments after April 15 incur a 0.5% monthly penalty plus interest.Step 10: Keep records for auditsStore transaction records and forms for three to six years. The IRS is intensifying crypto scrutiny — be prepared.Did you know? In Canada, giving cryptocurrency as a gift is generally considered a taxable disposition, requiring the giver to determine and report any capital gains or losses.Important dates and deadlines for 2024–2025 tax season and beyond Here are important dates regarding the 2024–2025 tax season and 2025 transition:2024 tax seasonJan. 31, 2025: Some exchanges may issue voluntary 1099s (e.g., 1099-MISC).April 15, 2025: File taxes on crypto earned in 2024.2025 transitionJan. 1, 2025: Form 1099-DA reporting begins.Dec. 31, 2025: Safe harbor ends for adjusting universal cost basis.Jan. 31, 2026: Receive Form 1099-DA for 2025 trades.Quarterly estimatesJune 15, Sept. 15, 2025, etc., for active traders.New IRS crypto tax rules for 2025: What you need to knowThe IRS introduced new rules for tax filing and reporting aimed at US cryptocurrency taxpayers, but these regulations have encountered significant pushback. Both the US Senate and House of Representatives voted to repeal them under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), and President Donald Trump has signaled support for the rollback. Despite this uncertainty, understanding these rules remains crucial, especially with deadlines looming in 2025.A core component of the new rules is calculating taxes using a cost basis — the original amount invested in an asset, including fees or commissions. Accurately tracking cost basis is vital for proper tax reporting and prevents double taxation on reinvested earnings. It’s the starting point for determining capital gains or losses. Under the updated IRS guidelines, crypto investors must now track the cost basis (original purchase price) separately for each account or wallet, moving away from a universal tracking approach. This requires recording the purchase date, acquisition cost and specific transaction details.The rules also mandate specific identification for every digital asset sale, requiring taxpayers to report the exact purchase date, quantity and cost of the assets sold. If this information isn’t provided, the IRS defaults to the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method — selling your earliest coins first — which could inflate taxable gains if those initial purchases had lower costs. For taxpayers previously using a universal cost basis method, the IRS requires reallocating their basis across all accounts or wallets accurately by Dec. 31, 2025, to comply with these standards.Form 1099-DA: What to expect for crypto taxes in 2025–2026As of March 27, 2025, Form 1099-DA is set to become a pivotal tool for the 2025–2026 tax season, simplifying how cryptocurrency transactions are reported in the US. This new form, tailored specifically for digital assets, will be issued by exchanges to both taxpayers and the IRS, providing a detailed breakdown of activities like sales, trades and other taxable crypto events from 2025. It’s designed to streamline compliance and bolster IRS oversight, reflecting the agency’s growing focus on tracking digital asset income. For taxpayers, it promises easier, more accurate reporting, while exchanges take on a larger role in tax documentation. For the 2024 tax year — due by April 15, 2025 — this form isn’t yet available; filers must still rely on existing forms like Form 1099-MISC until Form 1099-DA officially takes effect for 2025 earnings.IRS crypto tax penalties: What happens if you don’t report or under-report in 2024?US taxpayers who fail to meet their tax obligations may face penalties from the IRS. When tax obligations go unmet, the IRS sends a notice or letter detailing the penalty, its reason (e.g., late filing, non-payment or inaccurate reporting) and your next steps. Penalties vary: Late filing or non-payment can incur fines up to 25% of the unpaid tax, plus interest that accrues until settled. Other triggers — like bounced checks or fraudulent claims — add further costs, and the IRS may launch an audit to scrutinize your filings.Individuals may face penalties of up to $100,000 and criminal sanctions, including imprisonment for up to five years. Corporations can be fined up to $500,000.These stakes are high, especially as the IRS ramps up crypto enforcement in 2024. To dodge these consequences, double-check any notice for accuracy and act fast: Request a filing extension with Form 4868 if needed (due by April 15, 2025), arrange a payment plan for unaffordable penalties, or dispute the penalty if you believe it’s unjustified. Prompt action can save you from escalating costs and legal headaches.