Garrett Taylor

Garrett Taylor, CPA

Former Big Four CPA. CPA #133092. Garrett answers his phone. Led by expertise. Powered by precision.

Articles by Garrett Taylor

Crypto options taxes 2026 hero image showing an option payoff curve and three instrument types
Crypto Tax

Crypto Options Taxes (2026): A CPA's Guide to Premiums, Exercise, Assignment, and the 60/40 Question

Deribit options, IBIT covered calls, and CME futures options are taxed three different ways. A CPA prices premium, exercise, expiry, and assignment, and settles the 60/40 question per instrument.

Garrett Taylor·Jul 9, 2026·21 min read
Crypto perpetual futures taxes 2026 hero image showing three platform tiers and a perps chart
Crypto Tax

Crypto Perpetual Futures Taxes (2026): A CPA's Guide to Perps on Every Platform, Funding, and Liquidations

Perps now trade on three regulatory tiers with three tax stories. A CPA maps Section 1256 per tier, funding both directions, liquidations, collateral traps, and a full worked year.

Garrett Taylor·Jul 9, 2026·22 min read
Hero image for TokenTax review 2026 showing TokenTax as both software and an accounting firm
Crypto Tax

TokenTax Review 2026: A Crypto Tax CPA's Honest Walkthrough

A crypto tax CPA reviews TokenTax for 2026: real pricing from $49 to $3,499, the software vs full-service question, and where you still need your own CPA.

Garrett Taylor·Jul 9, 2026·17 min read
Hero image showing a 1099-DA, personal records, and tax software output displaying three different gain numbers
Crypto Tax

Your 1099-DA Doesn't Match Your Records: The Three-Record Problem, Fixed (2026)

Your 1099-DA, your wallet history, and your tax software all disagree. A CPA explains the five common mismatches and the exact reconciliation workflow.

Garrett Taylor·Jul 9, 2026·19 min read
Hyperliquid taxes 2026 hero image showing a perps chart, hourly funding clock, and the tax form Hyperliquid never issues
Crypto Tax

Hyperliquid Taxes (2026): A CPA's Guide to Perps, Funding Payments, and the Airdrop the IRS Never Saw

Hyperliquid issues no tax forms and the IRS has no perp guidance. A CPA covers perps, hourly funding, the HYPE airdrop, and a full worked year with real numbers.

Garrett Taylor·Jul 9, 2026·21 min read
Hero image for I Got a 1099-DA Now What showing a 1099-DA form with proceeds filled in and an empty cost basis box
Crypto Tax

I Got a 1099-DA, Now What? A CPA Walks Through Every Box (2026)

Form 1099-DA reports your crypto proceeds to the IRS, usually with no cost basis. A CPA explains every box, what to do before filing, and when to amend.

Garrett Taylor·Jul 9, 2026·20 min read
Gambling loss deduction 2026 hero image showing a loss bar with the top 10 percent sliced off and marked no longer deductible
Crypto Tax

The New Gambling Loss Deduction Rules (2026): The 90% Cap, the Itemizing Trap, and What It Means for Event Contract Traders

From 2026, gambling losses deduct at only 90%, itemizers only. A CPA runs the phantom income math, the standard deduction trap, the session question, and what event contract and crypto traders should do about it.

Garrett Taylor·Jul 9, 2026·19 min read
Robinhood prediction market taxes 2026 hero image showing the consolidated 1099 for stocks next to the missing 1099 for event contracts
Crypto Tax

Robinhood Prediction Market Taxes (2026): The Statement You Get, the 1099 You Don't, and What You Owe

Robinhood issues no 1099 for event contracts, just an Annual Statement the IRS never sees. A CPA explains the form gap, four tax treatments, and a full worked year.

Garrett Taylor·Jul 9, 2026·21 min read
Section 1256 event contracts hero image showing a 60/40 split donut chart with a question mark over prediction market icons
Crypto Tax

Section 1256 and Event Contracts (2026): Do Kalshi and Prediction Markets Get 60/40 Treatment?

Section 1256's 60/40 rate could cut a prediction market trader's federal bill by a quarter, but no platform reports event contracts that way. A CPA walks the statutory test, the math, and the Form 6781 and Form 8275 mechanics.

Garrett Taylor·Jul 9, 2026·20 min read
State taxes on prediction market winnings 2026 hero image showing a US map with a prediction contract ticket and dollar icon
Crypto Tax

State Taxes on Prediction Market Winnings (2026): The Second Bill Kalshi, Polymarket, and Robinhood Traders Forget

Your state taxes prediction market profits too, and in some states a gambling characterization means tax on gross winnings with no loss deduction. A CPA maps all 50 states, prices one trader in five of them, and covers the 2026 changes.

Garrett Taylor·Jul 9, 2026·19 min read
Prediction market taxes 2026 hero showing platforms split into fiat-settled and crypto-settled rails
Crypto Tax

Prediction Market Taxes (2026): How Kalshi, Polymarket, Robinhood and Every Major Platform Gets Taxed

How prediction market taxes work on Kalshi, Polymarket, Robinhood and more. A CPA splits platforms by settlement type and shows exactly what to report.

Garrett Taylor·Jul 2, 2026·18 min read
Kalshi taxes 2026 hero image showing the four narrow 1099 forms Kalshi issues and the missing form for event contract trading
Crypto Tax

Kalshi Taxes (2026): A CPA's Guide to the Forms You'll Get, the One You Won't, and What You Owe

Kalshi sends 1099s for interest, rewards, and crypto conversions, but nothing for your trading profit. A CPA walks through every form, four tax treatments, and one full worked year.

Garrett Taylor·Jul 2, 2026·23 min read
Polymarket taxes 2026 hero image showing a prediction market price chart, a missing 1099 form, and Form 8949
Crypto Tax

Polymarket Taxes (2026): A CPA's Guide to Reporting When There's No 1099

Polymarket sends no 1099, but your winnings are still taxable. A CPA explains the forms, the four tax treatments, and the USDC layer, with worked numbers.

Garrett Taylor·Jul 2, 2026·22 min read
Editorial illustration: a fake NFT minting screen siphoning golden Bitcoin coins through a malicious smart-contract funnel, the coins dissolving into lime-green particles that flow into IRS Form 4684, symbolizing a fake NFT minting scam loss recovered as a §165(c)(2) deduction
Crypto Tax

Fake NFT Minting Scam (2026): How to Write Off the Loss

A fake NFT minting platform charges fake gas fees and shows fake sales you can never withdraw. If you minted as an investment, that loss is often deductible. Here is how the rules apply.

Garrett Taylor·Jun 22, 2026·10 min read
Editorial illustration: a fake crypto trading dashboard with a deceptive rising chart, golden Bitcoin coins locked behind a barrier and dissolving into lime-green particles that flow into IRS Form 4684, symbolizing a fake investment platform loss recovered as a §165(c)(2) deduction
Crypto Tax

Fake Crypto Investment Platform Scam (2026): Deducting the Loss

A fake crypto investment platform shows you climbing profits you can never withdraw. If you invested for profit, that loss is often deductible. Here is how the theft-loss rules apply.

Garrett Taylor·Jun 22, 2026·13 min read
Editorial illustration: a fake support headset and spoofed phone luring golden Bitcoin coins out of a smartphone, the coins dissolving into lime-green particles that flow into IRS Form 4684, symbolizing a fake crypto customer service scam loss recovered as a §165(c)(2) deduction
Crypto Tax

Fake Crypto Customer Service Scam (2026): How to Deduct the Loss

A fake crypto customer service rep convinces you to move your funds to a 'safe' wallet, then takes them. That loss is often a deductible theft loss. Here is how the tax rules apply.

Garrett Taylor·Jun 22, 2026·11 min read
Editorial illustration: a phishing hook pulling golden Bitcoin coins out of a crypto wallet, the coins dissolving into lime-green particles that flow into IRS Form 4684, symbolizing a crypto phishing loss recovered as a §165(c)(2) deduction
Crypto Tax

Crypto Phishing Scam (2026): Claiming the Wallet-Drain Loss on Your Taxes

A crypto phishing scam can empty a wallet in one signature. If the drained crypto was held for investment, that loss is often deductible. Here is how the theft-loss rules apply and how to claim it.

Garrett Taylor·Jun 22, 2026·10 min read
Editorial illustration: a golden pig-shaped pile of Bitcoin coins shattering into lime-green particles that flow into a stack of IRS tax forms and a Form 4684, symbolizing a pig butchering scam loss recovered as a §165(c)(2) deduction
Crypto Tax

Pig Butchering Scam (2026): How to Write Off the Loss on Your Taxes

A pig butchering scam can wipe out a life savings. The lesser-known part: that loss is often deductible. Here is how the §165(c)(2) theft-loss rules apply to pig butchering, and how to actually claim it.

Garrett Taylor·Jun 22, 2026·12 min read
Editorial illustration: cracked golden Bitcoin coin shattering into lime-green particles that flow into a stack of IRS tax forms, symbolizing a crypto scam loss recovered as a §165(c)(2) deduction
Crypto Tax

Crypto Scam Tax Deduction (2026): A CPA's Guide to Writing It Off

If you lost crypto to a pig butchering scam, phishing attack, or rug pull, you probably have a deductible loss. IRS Chief Counsel Memo 202511015 made the rules clear in 2025. Most CPAs still won't file it. Here's the framework that works.

Garrett Taylor·May 21, 2026·13 min read
CoinTracker vs CoinTracking (2026): A CPA's Honest Comparison
Crypto Tax

CoinTracker vs CoinTracking (2026): A CPA's Honest Comparison

CoinTracker or CoinTracking? After 500+ client returns filed on both, the answer is clear for nearly every individual crypto investor in 2026. Here is the honest comparison.

Garrett Taylor·May 2, 2026·14 min read
Koinly vs ZenLedger (2026): A CPA's Honest Comparison
Crypto Tax

Koinly vs ZenLedger (2026): A CPA's Honest Comparison

A CPA who uses both platforms daily compares Koinly vs ZenLedger on pricing, DeFi support, cost basis methods, audit defense, and real tax outcomes.

Garrett Taylor·May 2, 2026·14 min read
CoinTracker vs CoinLedger (2026): A CPA's Honest Comparison
Crypto Tax

CoinTracker vs CoinLedger (2026): A CPA's Honest Comparison

A licensed CPA compares CoinTracker and CoinLedger head-to-head for 2026. Pricing, features, DeFi, and which crypto tax tool fits your portfolio.

Garrett Taylor·May 2, 2026·14 min read
Koinly vs CoinLedger (2026): A CPA's Honest Comparison
Crypto Tax

Koinly vs CoinLedger (2026): A CPA's Honest Comparison

A CPA who uses both tools daily compares Koinly vs CoinLedger for 2026. Pricing, DeFi accuracy, cost basis methods, and a real 800-transaction test.

Garrett Taylor·May 1, 2026·14 min read
Koinly vs CoinTracker (2026): A CPA's Honest Comparison
Crypto Tax

Koinly vs CoinTracker (2026): A CPA's Honest Comparison

A CPA's side-by-side comparison of Koinly and CoinTracker for 2026, with pricing breakdowns, DeFi testing, and a real worked example.

Garrett Taylor·May 1, 2026·14 min read
Summ Review 2026 hero image showing an AI-powered crypto tax dashboard with auto-categorized transactions and CPA review
Crypto Tax

Summ Review 2026: A CPA's Honest Walkthrough

A CPA's honest Summ review. AI categorization tested, pricing breakdown, exchange limits, risk assessment, and Koinly comparison.

Garrett Taylor·May 1, 2026·16 min read
ZenLedger Review 2026 hero image showing an audit defense shield alongside crypto tax dashboard and tax-loss harvesting graph
Crypto Tax

ZenLedger Review 2026: A CPA's Honest Walkthrough

A CPA's honest ZenLedger review for 2026. Audit defense deep dive, tax-loss harvesting limits, pricing tiers, and Koinly comparison.

Garrett Taylor·May 1, 2026·17 min read
CoinTracking Review 2026 hero image showing an advanced crypto tax analytics dashboard with derivatives tracking and multiple accounting methods
Crypto Tax

CoinTracking Review 2026: A CPA's Honest Walkthrough

A CPA's honest CoinTracking review for 2026. Futures handling, 25+ accounting methods, common errors, pricing breakdown, and how it compares to Koinly.

Garrett Taylor·May 1, 2026·17 min read
Crypto airdrops and hard forks tax treatment - hero showing airdrop parachutes and blockchain fork with IRS guidance
Crypto Tax

Crypto Airdrops and Hard Forks: Tax Treatment

How the IRS taxes crypto airdrops and hard fork tokens under Rev. Rul. 2019-24. Dominion and control rules, FMV calculations, cost basis, and worked examples from a crypto CPA.

Garrett Taylor·May 1, 2026·10 min read
Crypto cost basis methods compared - FIFO vs HIFO vs Specific ID showing different lot selection strategies
Crypto Tax

Crypto Cost Basis Methods: FIFO vs Specific ID vs HIFO

Compare FIFO, LIFO, HIFO, and Specific ID for crypto taxes. Worked example shows how the same sale produces 4 different tax bills. Updated for Rev. Proc. 2024-28, Notice 2026-20, and 1099-DA.

Garrett Taylor·May 1, 2026·10 min read
How crypto mining is taxed in 2026 - hero image showing mining hardware and tax form elements
Crypto Tax

How Crypto Mining Is Taxed (2026 Complete Guide)

Mined crypto is taxed as ordinary income at fair market value when received. Learn the hobby vs. business test, Schedule C deductions for electricity and hardware, self-employment tax, QBI eligibility, and how to avoid costly mistakes on your 2026 return.

Garrett Taylor·May 1, 2026·12 min read
How crypto staking is taxed in 2026 - hero image showing staking rewards flowing into tax form elements with IRS guidance references
Crypto Tax

How Crypto Staking Is Taxed (2026 Complete Guide)

Staking rewards are taxed as ordinary income at fair market value when received, plus capital gains when sold. This guide covers IRS rulings, liquid staking, restaking, validator deductions, and worked examples for 2026.

Garrett Taylor·May 1, 2026·12 min read
Crypto-to-crypto trade tax treatment - hero showing BTC to ETH swap with taxable event indicator and crossed-out Section 1031
Crypto Tax

Crypto-to-Crypto Trades: Tax Treatment Explained

Every crypto-to-crypto swap is taxable. Learn how to calculate gain/loss, why Section 1031 doesn't apply, and how to handle stablecoin swaps, wrapped tokens, and DEX trades.

Garrett Taylor·May 1, 2026·10 min read
Crypto wash sale rules 2026 - hero showing hourglass with crypto flowing through representing the closing loophole
Crypto Tax

Wash Sale Rules and Crypto: The Loophole That Won't Last

The wash sale rule doesn't apply to crypto, yet. Learn how to tax-loss harvest crypto in 2026, what legislation could change, and how to maximize savings before the loophole closes.

Garrett Taylor·May 1, 2026·10 min read
DeFi taxes explained for 2026 - hero image showing DeFi protocol elements merged with tax reporting
Crypto Tax

DeFi Taxes Explained (2026 Complete Guide)

How are DeFi transactions taxed in 2026? Complete guide covering token swaps, liquidity pools, yield farming, lending, governance airdrops, wrapped tokens, and new broker reporting rules.

Garrett Taylor·May 1, 2026·14 min read
IRS crypto tax notices guide - hero image showing IRS letter emerging from envelope with resolution path
Crypto Tax

IRS Crypto Tax Notices: What to Do If You Get One

Got an IRS crypto notice? Learn exactly how to respond to CP2000, Letter 6173, and Letter 6174 notices. Step-by-step response guide from a crypto tax CPA.

Garrett Taylor·May 1, 2026·10 min read
Lost or stolen crypto tax treatment - hero image showing broken wallet and exchange collapse with tax uncertainty elements
Crypto Tax

Lost or Stolen Crypto: Tax Treatment (2026)

Can you deduct lost or stolen crypto on your taxes? CPA guide covering TCJA suspension, Ponzi safe harbor, FTX/Celsius/Voyager losses, rug pulls, and abandonment losses for 2026.

Garrett Taylor·May 1, 2026·10 min read
NFT taxes explained for 2026 - hero image showing NFT artwork frames with tax elements and collectibles rate question
Crypto Tax

NFT Taxes Explained (2026 Complete Guide)

Are NFTs taxable? Yes. Learn how the IRS taxes NFTs for creators and collectors, the 28% collectibles rate, royalty income rules, and how to calculate your gain.

Garrett Taylor·May 1, 2026·12 min read
Best Crypto Tax Software 2026 hero image showing a CPA reviewing and rating 6 major crypto tax platforms
Crypto Tax

Best Crypto Tax Software 2026: A CPA's Honest Review of Every Major Platform

A CPA who files 500+ crypto returns reviews Koinly, CoinTracker, CoinLedger, CoinTracking, ZenLedger, and Summ. No affiliate links. Just honest verdicts.

Garrett Taylor·Apr 30, 2026·22 min read
CoinLedger Review 2026 hero image showing a CPA reviewing a crypto tax dashboard with connected exchanges and Form 8949 output
Crypto Tax

CoinLedger Review 2026: A Crypto Tax CPA's Honest Walkthrough

A CPA's honest CoinLedger review for 2026. Free vs paid breakdown, TurboTax export workflow, DeFi limitations, common errors, and how it compares to Koinly.

Garrett Taylor·Apr 30, 2026·16 min read
CoinTracker Review 2026 hero image showing a CPA reviewing a crypto tax software dashboard with connected exchanges and transaction summary
Crypto Tax

CoinTracker Review 2026: A Crypto Tax CPA's Honest Walkthrough

A CPA's honest CoinTracker review for 2026. Common errors, DeFi import quality, 1099-DA reconciliation, pricing, and when you need professional help.

Garrett Taylor·Apr 30, 2026·16 min read
Crypto tax CPA pricing tiers for 2026 shown as four ascending cards: Simple ($800-$2K), Active Trader ($2K-$5K), DeFi/NFT ($5K-$12K), and Founder/Whale ($12K-$50K+)
Crypto Tax

How Much Does a Crypto Tax CPA Cost in 2026? (Real Numbers from a Real CPA)

Real crypto tax CPA pricing for 2026: $800 to $50K+ across four tiers. A working CPA breaks down what you'll pay, what's included, and when the ROI math makes it worth every dollar.

Garrett Taylor·Apr 30, 2026·15 min read
Five crypto tax professional credential badges — CPA, EA, Tax Attorney, Tax Advisor, and Tax Preparer — with the question 'Which One Do You Need?'
Crypto Tax

Crypto Tax CPA vs Advisor vs Professional: What's the Real Difference (2026)?

CPA, EA, tax attorney, advisor, preparer — they all sound the same but mean wildly different things. A CPA breaks down what each credential means, what each can legally do for crypto investors, and which one you actually need.

Garrett Taylor·Apr 30, 2026·16 min read
The Ultimate Guide to Crypto Tax 2026 Edition hero image showing cryptocurrency and tax elements in a premium educational design
Crypto Tax

The Ultimate Guide to Crypto Tax (2026 Edition)

The most comprehensive crypto tax guide online, written by a CPA who files 500+ crypto returns a year. Every taxable event, form, strategy, and 2026 update.

Garrett Taylor·Apr 30, 2026·32 min read
10 Red Flags Your Crypto Tax Preparer Is in Over Their Head — hero image with warning sign motif and icons representing each red flag
Crypto Tax

10 Red Flags Your Crypto Tax Preparer Is in Over Their Head (and What to Do About It)

After reviewing 200+ prior-year returns, here are the 10 warning signs your crypto tax preparer is in over their head, the questions to ask, and how to fix it.

Garrett Taylor·Apr 30, 2026·15 min read
How to Choose a Crypto Tax CPA hero image showing a magnifying glass examining CPA credentials with crypto tax elements
Crypto Tax

How to Choose a Crypto Tax CPA in 2026 (From a CPA Who Files 500+ Crypto Returns a Year)

A CPA's guide to finding the right crypto tax professional. 10 interview questions, real pricing, red flags, and when you need a CPA vs EA vs tax attorney.

Garrett Taylor·Apr 30, 2026·18 min read
Koinly Guide 2026 hero image showing a CPA reviewing a Koinly crypto tax dashboard with connected exchanges and Form 8949 output
Crypto Tax

Koinly Guide: A Crypto Tax CPA's Complete Walkthrough (2026)

A CPA's step-by-step Koinly walkthrough. Learn how to set up Koinly, avoid the 7 most common errors, and know when DIY is enough vs. when you need a pro.

Garrett Taylor·Apr 30, 2026·15 min read
Crypto calculator with overflowing tax receipt — illustrating overpaid taxes
Crypto TaxTax Planning

The Top 3 Reasons You Are Overpaying Your Crypto Taxes

Most crypto investors don't have a tax problem — they have a data problem. Here are the three most expensive mistakes we see, and how to fix them before you file.

Garrett Taylor·Apr 29, 2026·12 min read