Making sure the business executes an effective and efficient cryptocurrency bookkeeping strategy can become pretty complicated. Here is what people need to know about the cryptocurrency bookkeeping industry. Listed below are some things people need to know about the best practices in this industry. Digital assets and cryptocurrencies are highly transparent by design.
A lot of reputable blockchain networks like Ethereum and Bitcoin make all transactions traceable, independently verifiable, and publicly visible. But transactions with cryptocurrencies can drastically create bookkeeping issues for crypto businesses. A lot of companies that focus on crypto or enterprises that integrate crypto transactions in their products usually need help to perform basic operations like working with reputable accountants, operating in a compliant manner, or opening bank accounts.
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Table of Contents
Why is crypto bookkeeping very complicated?
Enterprises that deal with these assets, like funds, exchanges, brokers, retail enterprises, or blockchain businesses that transact with these assets, usually manage different exchange accounts or wallets. Most of these platforms and wallets serve other purposes.
For instance, digital enterprises that accept these assets may have accounts and wallets with crypto payment processors and accounts on more than one exchange. Similarly, blockchain businesses may have trading accounts of different exchanges or over-the-counter desks. Various platforms used by these traders or businesses all deliver transaction history in multiple formats.
For example, reporting trading activities using these assets for tax purposes involve collecting data from numerous disparate exchanges, as well as accounting for them in a very compliant manner. The process of getting, assigning value to, consolidating, as well as classifying relevant data points in different assets at various prices and times can drastically become a large-scale issue for enterprises.
Bookkeeping for this type of asset
Bookkeeping and accounting represent some of the most demanding challenges faced by businesses dealing with cryptocurrencies. The complicated nature of this bookkeeping forces a lot of enterprises to lower the priority of tasks related to bookkeeping in their day-to-day trade.
It can create significant issues sooner or later – inevitably leading to high costs in accounting processes. Managing, as well as tracking various digital assets, opening bank accounts, meeting compliance requirements, and working with reputable, knowledgeable, and reliable accountants can be an extremely challenging process for a lot of crypto enterprises.
The main obstacle faced by most businesses looking to execute tax-effective best practices strategies is their treatment of cryptocurrencies. Most reporting bookkeeping and guidelines are designed only for paper currencies based on enterprises and translate less efficiently to constantly-shifting regulatory agencies of digital assets.
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Best practices
Understanding, as well as complying with regulatory treatments of this asset, is crucial to the success of any enterprise that transacts in digital assets. But defining how to execute certain strategies can be pretty complicated. Only now, there’s no standard process for this job – the International Financial Reporting Standards do not provide a single framework, forcing enterprises to approach this job on a case-to-case basis.
Track expenses and transactions
The most efficient and effective way to do this job is to keep track of all single crypto-related expenses and transactions. While this process is pretty time-consuming, it can save a lot of time when it comes to reporting. There are now various tools that can be used to automate or streamline the data collection process.
For instance, some third-party applications can now be integrated into cloud-accounting platforms. It is also imperative to document all cryptocurrency-related invoices using accurate invoice-management applications. Automation software can also be integrated directly using the user’s existing accounting apps.
It can further minimize the time-consuming manual entry. Businesses in the country that transact in digital assets should track crypto and fiat transactions, then make a consolidated report covering both. An enterprise like Neumeister & Associates, which manages more than one exchange account and wallets, needs to collect all transactions, price data, and base rates. Consolidate these things by converting values to paper money, either with crypto reporting apps or manually.
Be compliant
The ever-changing ecosystem of this industry is subject to thorough scrutiny by government agencies. Regulatory frameworks that govern these things can change drastically – it is crucial to stay updated on the latest regulatory changes to remain compliant.
Advantages of automated tools
Today, there are tons of different applications and software that integrate with various cloud-based accounting platforms that streamline the accounting process of cryptocurrencies. While it is possible to manually enter information when reporting transactions, the scale of most enterprises makes this task almost impossible. Reporting applications that integrate with cloud accounting software or tools can greatly reduce the time it will take to collect, classify, or input information manually, as well as eliminate the possibility of human error.
Checklist
An efficient and effective accounting strategy for enterprises that transact in crypto should cover the tasks listed below:
- Track and record every cryptocurrency-related expense, transaction, and cost
- Conver all digital-asset transactions into paper money
- Consolidate fiat money and crypto across all exchange wallets and accounts
- Assess and monitor asset performance, daily activity, and crypto wallet balances regularly
- Categorize every transaction into expenses, operational costs, revenue, and other important transaction types
- Consistently reconcile bank accounts and wallet balances on a regular basis
- Update crucial financial reports like P&L statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets
- Maintain regulatory changes awareness
Important takeaways
Cryptocurrency accounting is a very important process, but it can rapidly become time-consuming. It is best to get the service of reputable financial advisory companies or professional accountants to make sure the company’s books remain regulatory compliant, efficient, and accurate.
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A lot of companies transacting with this asset should develop a better understanding of the basics of cryptocurrency accounting to make sure correct practices are being followed within their enterprise from start to finish. While management software and tracking can minimize the manual entry workload connected with cryptocurrency accounting, it is imperative to pay attention to the financial standing and health of the enterprise.
This type of accounting can get seriously complicated, but the best practices can be a huge help. If the company currently transacts in digital currencies and they need clarification on its reporting or tax obligations, it can reach out to professionals for complex guidance today.
