US income vs capital gains

Staking & Airdrops Taxes in the USA

Staking rewards and airdrops often create ordinary income at receipt, with separate capital gains when you later sell. Clean records make the difference.

What to document

  • Timestamp and USD value at receipt
  • Asset amount and fee details
  • Wallet or exchange source
  • Later sales and proceeds

Common mistakes

  • Missing rewards or duplicated imports
  • Incorrect USD valuation at receipt
  • Mixing income and capital gains events
  • Gaps between wallets and exchanges

Related US pages

FAQ

Are staking rewards taxable in the USA?

In the USA, staking rewards are often treated as ordinary income when received. Later sales can create capital gains.

How are airdrops treated?

Airdrops can be taxable depending on facts and circumstances. Tracking timestamps and USD value is critical for documentation.

What data do I need to document?

Record timestamps, USD values at receipt, fees, and the receiving wallet or exchange for each event.

Does CoinTaxReporting provide tax advice?

No. CoinTaxReporting is a reporting tool. For tax advice, consult a licensed professional.