Compliance
Compliance & Digital Nomad Tips Under New IRS Guidance and Broker Statement Rules
As the IRS proposes new rules about electronic furnishing of broker statements, and other administrative notices, digital nomads and remote workers must update compliance practices accordingly.
By NomadicTax Research Team • 5-8 min read • April 9, 2026
## New IRS Proposed Regulations on Broker Statements
The **Internal Revenue Bulletin: 2026-13**, published March 23, 2026, includes proposed regulations (REG-105064-25) to allow brokers to provide Form **1099-DA (Digital Asset Proceeds)** and other payee statements electronically, with customer consent, instead of on paper. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/irb/2026-13_IRB?utm_source=openai))
Taxpayers should review how this affects deadlines and record-keeping: paper statements often come with longer delivery times; electronic consent shortens delivery and enables faster access.
## Compliance Challenges for Digital Nomads & Remote Workers
For cross-border workers and nomadic professionals:
- **Ensure digital asset transactions are reported**: With growing clarity around cryptocurrency and digital asset reporting, forms like 1099-DA demand accurate disclosure of broker transactions. Missing or late reporting can trigger penalties.
- **Update addresses and tax residency**: If you travel frequently, ensure your IRS address (mailing and filing), state residency, and foreign address information are current—both for notices and tax treaty benefits.
- **Review withholding and estimated payments**: Some IRS relief changes (under OBBB, etc.) are retroactive to start of **2025**, so improper withholding could lead to underpayment penalties. Digital nomads should especially be careful since they may not have tax withheld in the same way. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayers-could-see-a-change-in-their-2025-tax-bill-or-refund?utm_source=openai))
## Best Practices for Compliance
- Use electronic filing and provide electronic consent where possible for statements and tax documents.
- Maintain detailed records of digital asset gains/losses, timestamps, transaction queues, and whether brokers furnished statements in electronic or paper form.
- For U.S. citizens abroad, ensure compliance with FATCA, foreign bank account (FBAR), and foreign income reporting requirements.
- If you receive statements late, contact brokers ahead of filing season to request missing documents early.
## Example: Remote Worker with Broker Activity
“Alex” is a U.S. citizen living abroad who frequently trades digital assets. In 2026, Alex asks broker to send all statements (1099-DA) electronically—ensuring early access, accurate reflection of gains. Alex also estimates income so that total U.S. tax payments (including quarterly estimated tax) avoid penalties.
## Action Items Right Now
- Request electronic delivery consent with your financial institutions and brokers.
- Check with payroll or withholding agents if new inflation-adjusted tables apply where you are working remotely.
- If filing via a foreign address or while abroad, ensure you understand which deductions, tax treaties, and foreign earned income exclusions apply.
- Stay updated on IRS bulletins or proposed rule changes—comment periods can influence final regulation (e.g. public comments on broker statements under REG-105064-25).
**Conclusion**: The tax compliance landscape is evolving rapidly with electronic accommodation for statements and clearer rules around digital assets. Digital nomads and remote workers must stay proactive—requesting electronic documentation and aligning filing practices to avoid penalties and maximize the benefits of tax changes.