CPA & EA Bitcoin Tax Professionals
Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and Enrolled Agents (EAs) who specialize in Bitcoin and cryptocurrency tax planning. These tax professionals help navigate the complex tax implications of digital asset holdings, transactions, and long-term planning strategies.
What are CPA and EA Credentials?
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
CPAs are licensed accounting professionals who have met rigorous state requirements including:
- Completion of 150 semester hours of college coursework
- Passing the Uniform CPA Examination
- Meeting state-specific work experience requirements
- Adhering to professional ethics standards
- Completing continuing professional education (CPE) requirements
Enrolled Agent (EA)
EAs are federally-authorized tax practitioners who have technical expertise in taxation and are empowered by the U.S. Department of Treasury to represent taxpayers before the IRS. EAs must:
- Pass a comprehensive three-part Special Enrollment Examination
- Or have prior experience as an IRS employee
- Complete 72 hours of continuing education every three years
- Adhere to ethical standards set forth in Treasury Department Circular No. 230
When these tax professionals also specialize in Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, they bring both traditional tax expertise and specialized knowledge of digital asset taxation.
Why Work with a Bitcoin-Focused Tax Professional?
A CPA or EA who understands Bitcoin can help you:
- Bitcoin capital gains planning: Structure transactions to optimize short-term vs. long-term capital gains treatment
- Tax reporting compliance: Properly report Bitcoin transactions on Form 8949, Schedule D, and other required forms
- Tax-loss harvesting: Strategically realize losses to offset gains and reduce tax liability
- IRS compliance: Navigate IRS guidance, notices, and reporting requirements for digital assets
- Audit defense: Represent you before the IRS in case of examination or dispute
- State tax optimization: Consider state-level tax implications and opportunities
- Retirement account strategies: Evaluate Bitcoin in IRAs, including self-directed IRA structures and tax implications
- Business taxation: Handle Bitcoin-related business income, mining operations, or treasury holdings
- Estate and gift tax: Plan for Bitcoin transfer and valuation in estate planning contexts
1 Tax Professional Listed
Browse CPAs and EAs who have indicated expertise in Bitcoin and cryptocurrency taxation
Learn More
Looking for guidance on choosing the right Bitcoin-aware financial advisor? Explore our comprehensive resources:
- How to Choose a Bitcoin-Aware Financial Advisor - Credentials to look for, questions to ask, and red flags to avoid
- Bitcoin & Financial Planning - Portfolio allocation strategies and integrating Bitcoin into your wealth plan
- Bitcoin Taxes 101 - Tax planning strategies for Bitcoin holders
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bitcoin taxed as income or capital gains?
The IRS treats Bitcoin as property, not currency. When you sell, exchange, or spend Bitcoin, you trigger a capital gain or loss based on the difference between your cost basis and the fair market value at the time of disposal. However, if you receive Bitcoin as compensation for services, it is taxed as ordinary income at the time of receipt.
What is the difference between a CPA and an EA?
CPAs are state-licensed accounting professionals who can provide a broad range of accounting services including audits, tax preparation, and financial advisory. EAs are federally-licensed tax specialists authorized by the U.S. Treasury who focus exclusively on taxation and IRS representation. Both can represent taxpayers before the IRS, though their licensing authorities and scope of practice differ.
Do I need to report Bitcoin if I just hold it and never sell?
Simply holding Bitcoin (without selling, exchanging, or spending it) does not trigger a taxable event. However, you must answer the digital asset question on Form 1040 truthfully. Additionally, you should maintain records of your cost basis for when you eventually dispose of the Bitcoin.
Can a Bitcoin tax professional help with IRS audits?
Yes. Both CPAs and EAs have unlimited representation rights before the IRS, meaning they can represent you in audits, appeals, and collection matters. A Bitcoin-focused tax professional can help you respond to IRS inquiries about digital asset transactions, explain your reporting positions, and negotiate resolutions if needed.
What is tax-loss harvesting with Bitcoin?
Tax-loss harvesting involves strategically selling Bitcoin at a loss to offset capital gains from other investments, potentially reducing your overall tax liability. Unlike stocks, Bitcoin is not subject to the wash sale rule (as of 2025), which may provide additional flexibility. A Bitcoin tax professional can help you implement these strategies within the bounds of current tax law.