How to Generate Your Crypto Tax Reports in CoinLedger: A Fresh Step‑by‑Step Guide
Managing crypto taxes can feel intimidating, but CoinLedger makes it simple. Follow these steps to create accurate, IRS-compliant (or local-compliant) reports with ease.
Step 1: Sign Up and Log In
- Visit CoinLedger.io and click Sign Up.
- Enter your email, create a strong password, and verify your account.
- Log in to access your personal dashboard.
Pro Tip: Enable two-factor authentication for extra security.
Step 2: Add Your Exchanges and Wallets
- On the dashboard, select Add Wallet / Exchange.
- Choose your exchange (e.g., Coinbase, Binance) or wallet (e.g., MetaMask, Ledger).
- Connect via:
- API Key: automatically pulls transaction history
- CSV Upload: for exchanges without API support or older transactions
- Repeat for all wallets and exchanges you’ve used during the tax year.
Tip: CoinLedger highlights any missing transactions so you can fill gaps before generating reports.
Step 3: Review and Categorize Transactions
- Go to the Transactions section.
- Check each entry for accuracy—buys, sells, trades, staking rewards, and airdrops.
- Categorize any unrecognized transactions (CoinLedger often auto-suggests categories).
Pro Tip: Proper categorization now prevents errors on your tax forms later.
Step 4: Configure Your Tax Settings
- Navigate to Settings → Tax Settings.
- Select your country/jurisdiction.
- Choose your cost basis accounting method: FIFO, LIFO, or HIFO.
- Confirm the tax year and select the type of report (capital gains, income, or both).
Step 5: Preview Your Tax Summary
- Go to Tax Reports → Summary.
- Review your:
- Total gains and losses
- Income from mining, staking, and airdrops
- Gains per cryptocurrency
- Check for flagged or unusual transactions and correct them before report generation.
Step 6: Generate the Tax Report
- Click Generate Report.
- Choose the format:
- PDF for personal records
- CSV / Excel for accountants or tax software
- IRS forms (Form 8949 / Schedule D) if filing in the US
- CoinLedger will automatically calculate your capital gains, losses, and income.
Step 7: Export to Tax Software (Optional)
- If using software like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct, you can directly import your CSV or PDF report.
- Follow the prompts in your tax software to integrate the data.
Tip: Keep the downloaded forms; they are useful for audits or corrections.
Step 8: Save and Back Up Your Records
- Store your reports and transaction data in multiple locations: cloud storage + offline backup.
- Retain your records for 5–7 years, depending on local regulations.
Extra Tips for Accuracy
- Double-check flagged transactions to avoid mistakes.
- Use the audit trail in CoinLedger to see how each gain/loss was calculated.
- Consult a crypto tax professional if you have complex trades, NFTs, or DeFi activity.
This workflow ensures your CoinLedger tax report is accurate, organized, and ready for submission.
If you want, I can also create a “visual step-by-step infographic” version of this guide that fits on a single page for easy reference. It would look like a cheat sheet for quick tax season use.