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Shitcoin Taxes: Ultimate Guide

Decentralized, trustless and permissionless activity is at the heart of the crypto sphere. With that comes the ability for anyone, anywhere to create their own cryptocurrency, or Shitcoin.
Analysis by
Nitin Ashok, CPA, CFA
March 12, 2024 7:53 AM
|
3 Min Read.
Shitcoin Taxes: Ultimate Guide
Table of Contents

    Introduction

    Decentralized, trustless, and permissionless activities form the core ethos of the cryptocurrency realm. In this dynamic landscape, the power to create a personal cryptocurrency, colloquially known as a "Shitcoin," is open to anyone, anywhere. However, not every coin emerges with a robust project or purpose, making some projects appear appealing solely through strategic marketing and hype. This article delves into the realm of Shitcoins and sheds light on how the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) approaches their taxation.

    What is a Shitcoin?

    The blunt nomenclature denotes a cryptocurrency lacking substantial value or purpose. Given the ease with which one can create a cryptocurrency, not every coin boasts a quality project or utility. Recent instances of such coins, often rebranded as 'Community Coins,' include Dogecoin and Shiba Inu.

    CRA Taxation of Shitcoins

    Shitcoins, or Altcoins, are not treated as a distinct category by the CRA; instead, they are classified similarly to other crypto assets. The standard taxable events applicable to cryptocurrencies, such as trading, gifting, and earning income, are also pertinent to Shitcoins. The CRA adheres to a 50% rule, taxing only half of the cryptocurrency gains. For instance, if an investor like Jeremy gains $6,000 from Dogecoin, they are liable to pay capital gains tax on only $3,000.

    Shitcoins and Tax Harvesting

    Acknowledging the inherent volatility and speculative nature of Shitcoins, most investors may incur losses. To mitigate these losses, investors can use them to offset any profits, with the option to carry losses back three years and forward indefinitely.

    Conclusion

    Shitcoins epitomize cryptocurrency volatility, relying on speculation rather than tangible use cases. While some investors have reaped substantial profits, the risks are paramount, emphasizing the importance of investing at one's own peril.

    Disclaimer: CRA's Relationship with Cryptocurrency

    Despite the CRA gradually formulating guidelines for Canadian cryptocurrency investors, the regulatory landscape lags behind several developed nations. Protocols like DeFi, including yield farming and staking, still lack clear guidance from the CRA. As the demand for regulations intensifies, it is anticipated that the guidelines will evolve. Until then, investors must navigate positions that may or may not align with CRA acceptance.

    Opinions presented here are for discussion purposes only and do not represent the views of MetaCounts Cashflow Inc. or its affiliates. Additionally, this content does not constitute legal, accounting, or tax advice and should not be relied upon as such.

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    Guides

    Shitcoin Taxes: Ultimate Guide

    Introduction

    Decentralized, trustless, and permissionless activities form the core ethos of the cryptocurrency realm. In this dynamic landscape, the power to create a personal cryptocurrency, colloquially known as a "Shitcoin," is open to anyone, anywhere. However, not every coin emerges with a robust project or purpose, making some projects appear appealing solely through strategic marketing and hype. This article delves into the realm of Shitcoins and sheds light on how the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) approaches their taxation.

    What is a Shitcoin?

    The blunt nomenclature denotes a cryptocurrency lacking substantial value or purpose. Given the ease with which one can create a cryptocurrency, not every coin boasts a quality project or utility. Recent instances of such coins, often rebranded as 'Community Coins,' include Dogecoin and Shiba Inu.

    CRA Taxation of Shitcoins

    Shitcoins, or Altcoins, are not treated as a distinct category by the CRA; instead, they are classified similarly to other crypto assets. The standard taxable events applicable to cryptocurrencies, such as trading, gifting, and earning income, are also pertinent to Shitcoins. The CRA adheres to a 50% rule, taxing only half of the cryptocurrency gains. For instance, if an investor like Jeremy gains $6,000 from Dogecoin, they are liable to pay capital gains tax on only $3,000.

    Shitcoins and Tax Harvesting

    Acknowledging the inherent volatility and speculative nature of Shitcoins, most investors may incur losses. To mitigate these losses, investors can use them to offset any profits, with the option to carry losses back three years and forward indefinitely.

    Conclusion

    Shitcoins epitomize cryptocurrency volatility, relying on speculation rather than tangible use cases. While some investors have reaped substantial profits, the risks are paramount, emphasizing the importance of investing at one's own peril.

    Disclaimer: CRA's Relationship with Cryptocurrency

    Despite the CRA gradually formulating guidelines for Canadian cryptocurrency investors, the regulatory landscape lags behind several developed nations. Protocols like DeFi, including yield farming and staking, still lack clear guidance from the CRA. As the demand for regulations intensifies, it is anticipated that the guidelines will evolve. Until then, investors must navigate positions that may or may not align with CRA acceptance.

    Opinions presented here are for discussion purposes only and do not represent the views of MetaCounts Cashflow Inc. or its affiliates. Additionally, this content does not constitute legal, accounting, or tax advice and should not be relied upon as such.

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