IRS Issues Interim Guidance Impacting Crypto Firms

The IRS released interim guidance affecting publicly traded crypto firms under the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax in early October 2025.

This update holds significance as it modifies tax compliance requirements for crypto companies, potentially impacting their after‑tax financial outcomes.

The IRS issued new guidance on the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (CAMT), specifically involving publicly traded crypto firms. This is part of the regulatory criteria established in the Inflation Reduction Act.

These updates clarify the tax treatment of digital assets held by corporations, impacting how they account for such holdings and transactions. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel played a key role in declaring these changes.

“The Inflation Reduction Act created the CAMT, which imposes a 15% minimum tax on the adjusted financial statement income (AFSI) of large corporations.” — Danny Werfel, Commissioner, IRSIRS.gov

Compliance Costs Expected to Rise for Crypto Firms

The guidance could increase compliance costs for crypto companies, potentially reducing their after‑tax profits. It affects how companies manage their digital assets, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings.

Despite the potential cost implications, no new on‑chain data changes or major financial moves have emerged post‑guidance issuance. Public comments from major crypto CEOs remain absent as of now.

IRS Digital Asset Guidance: Historical Precedents and Future Implications

Historically, IRS guidance on digital assets has occurred in 2019, 2021, and 2023, each time enhancing reporting obligations. These adjustments typically prompted increased disclosures without protocol‑level disruptions.

Future reactions might depend on whether governance tokens or large asset holdings are reclassified as corporate liabilities in tax computations, which could influence a company's financial strategies.