Digital Nomad
How Digital Asset Reporting on Form 1099-DA Impacts Remote and Gig Workers in 2026
New IRS final regulations now require brokers to issue Form 1099-DA for digital asset transactions, a change that significantly affects gig workers, remote contractors, and digital nomads.
By NomadicTax Research Team • 5-8 min read • April 5, 2026
## What’s New with Form 1099-DA
Starting January 1, 2025, **brokers are required to report gross proceeds** from most customer transactions involving digital assets (cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, NFTs) using the new Form 1099-DA. From **January 1, 2026**, brokers must also **report cost basis information** for digital assets held in custodial accounts. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/final-regulations-and-related-irs-guidance-for-reporting-by-brokers-on-sales-and-exchanges-of-digital-assets?utm_source=openai))
These changes stem from final IRS regulations that define which entities qualify as brokers, clarify what transactions must be reported, and provide transition relief under certain conditions. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/final-regulations-and-related-irs-guidance-for-reporting-by-brokers-on-sales-and-exchanges-of-digital-assets?utm_source=openai))
## Why Remote Workers and Digital Nomads Need to Notice
Digital nomads and remote gig workers often:
- Receive income or payments in cryptocurrency or stablecoins;
- Use digital platforms that hold digital assets in custodial wallets;
- May not expect basis to be reported, especially for non-custodial setups.
Because of the new rules:
- You’ll likely receive a 1099-DA if your digital asset transactions go through a broker or custodial service. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/final-regulations-and-related-irs-guidance-for-reporting-by-brokers-on-sales-and-exchanges-of-digital-assets?utm_source=openai))
- If you hold assets in a custodial account, you must keep track of your cost basis for gains or losses—starting 2026 this is reported by the broker. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/final-regulations-and-related-irs-guidance-for-reporting-by-brokers-on-sales-and-exchanges-of-digital-assets?utm_source=openai))
- Even without receiving a Form 1099-DA, the “digital asset question” on Form 1040 asks whether you have such assets—and you must report gains/losses. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/reminders-for-taxpayers-about-digital-assets?utm_source=openai))
## What to Do: Practical Steps for Compliance
1. **Determine if your digital assets are held in kind of account that triggers reporting.** Brokers holding assets in custodial accounts must report. Non-custodial setups might not be subject yet. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/final-regulations-and-related-irs-guidance-for-reporting-by-brokers-on-sales-and-exchanges-of-digital-assets?utm_source=openai))
2. **Maintain accurate acquisition and transaction records.** For your own gains/losses, you’ll need:
- Purchase dates and prices;
- Sale dates and proceeds;
- Any lot or FIFO method used. Sum up holdings across wallets if required. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/filing/frequently-asked-questions-about-broker-reporting?utm_source=openai))
3. **Expect 1099-DA around February 17, 2026** for 2025 transactions if reporting applies to you. Form’s due to recipients by that date. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1099da?utm_source=openai))
4. **File the digital assets question on Form 1040 honestly.** Even without a statement, failure to report known gain/losses can trigger audits. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/reminders-for-taxpayers-about-digital-assets?utm_source=openai))
## Example Scenarios
| Situation | What Applies under New Rules |
|---|---|
| You work remotely for a company and are paid in Bitcoin that the company transfers to a custodial exchange acting as broker | Expect a 1099-DA reporting both proceeds and basis for any digital assets sold after Jan 1, 2026. Your gain/loss needs to be reflected. |
| You receive stablecoins as tips from overseas clients, held in a non-custodial wallet | Might not get 1099-DA if there is **no broker custody**. You still need to compute gains/losses and report. |
| You are a contractor in multiple countries, receive NFTs, and occasionally swap them | Be aware: optional aggregate reporting applies for certain stablecoins and NFTs exceeding thresholds—requires tracking. |
## Key Takeaways
- Reporting of **gross proceeds is already required**; basis reporting kicks in in 2026 for many●
- Even if you do not receive a 1099-DA, if you sold, exchanged, or otherwise disposed of digital assets, you must report gains or losses●
- Record-keeping and understanding broker vs non-broker roles are more crucial than ever●
These digital asset rules significantly expand tax reporting obligations. Remote workers and digital nomads should take proactive steps now—organizing records, understanding whether their platforms or wallets act as brokers, and keeping up with IRS guidance—to stay compliant in 2026.