According to a Sept. 24 news release, HR Block has rolled out a new service targeting people who have engaged in digital currency transactions, specifically providing consultations on how to properly file their cryptocurrency gains and losses on tax returns.
United States-based accounting firm HR Block has begun serving as an intermediary between crypto users and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) after the agency began sending letters to crypto traders who may have failed to report income and pay taxes.
As Cointelegraph previously explained, the IRS collects data gathered from crypto exchanges and compares it to every trader’s 1099-K report.
If the reports do not match the data provided by the exchanges, the IRS will send the CP2000 notice to traders, specifying the amount every trader is expected to pay within 30 calendar days.
The IRS expands efforts involving virtual currency
The IRS initially sent letters to 10,000 crypto investors, asking some to amend their tax filings, while compelling others to pay back taxes and/or interest and penalties. At the time, the head of the IRS, Commissioner Chuck Rettig, said:
«Taxpayers should take these letters very seriously by reviewing their tax filings and when appropriate, amend past returns and pay back taxes, interest and penalties. The IRS is expanding our efforts involving virtual currency, including increased use of data analytics. We are focused on enforcing the law and helping taxpayers fully understand and meet their obligations.»
Other companies providing tax calculations
HR Block thus joined other major professional services companies who aim to solve cryptocurrency auditing issues. In June, Big Four firm PwC released a new tool to its Halo auditing suite that can be used to “provide assurance services for entities engaging in cryptocurrency transactions.”
In March, Ernst Young launched a tool designed to improve accounting and tax calculations for digital currency transactions by institutional customers that have cryptocurrency on their balance sheets, and individuals who trade crypto assets on a smaller scale.
Harbor Now Has Both Broker-Dealer and Transfer Agent Licenses in the US
Security token startup Harbor has secured a transfer agent license from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
A month after receiving a broker-dealer license from the same agency, Harbor was granted the license Thursday to better ensure interest and dividend payments to investors. The firm is the first blockchain company to be granted both licenses.
Transfer agents act as liaisons between firms, investors and regulatory bodies by keeping track of investment certificates. If a wallet contained security tokens is lost, for example, the transfer agent can help mint new tokens to replace the lost securities. By acquiring the license, Harbor has the green light to service higher class firms, investors, and offerings.
Seeking to become a “one-stop-shop” for digital asset issuance, Harbor has done its fair share of leg work to get the appropriate regulatory licenses. In fact, it took over a year, according to CEO Josh Stein.
“It took the regulators a long time to get a handle on the space and understand it and its implications. This was very new for the SEC and FINRA, and they wanted to do it right”, Stein said as the firm was awarded the broker-dealer license.
Harbor recently engaged in a $100 million real estate tokenizing effort on the ethereum blockchain on behalf of four firms. By tokenizing investor shares, Harbor and the 1,000 plus participating investors and placement holders hoped to decrease digital asset management friction.
