The U.S. House of Representatives' fundraising committee has passed the first federal cryptocurrency tax framework

The House Committee on Ways and Means passed the "Digital Asset Tax Clarification Act" with a vote of 38 in favor and 5 against, establishing the first federal tax framework for digital assets. The bill sets a threshold for taxation, stating that cryptocurrency transactions with network or transaction fees not exceeding $10 are exempt from taxes, but this exemption does not apply to service providers conducting transactions on behalf of others, and the relevant provisions will not take effect until December 2027.

The bill also requires the Treasury Department to establish a voluntary disclosure program for digital assets within 12 months of the bill's enactment, allowing eligible taxpayers to amend previous filings and settle owed taxes, interest, and penalties. The bill specifies that income from mining and staking will be taxed as ordinary income, while allowing certain investment trusts to stake without affecting their tax status. The previous version included an option for deferred income recognition, but that provision has been removed, and the issue of income recognition timing remains unresolved.

Committee Chairman and Republican Congressman Jason Smith called it a historic moment for the committee. This vote took place the day after the Senate's procedural vote on the "Clarity Act" failed (49 votes to 50), with Democrats opposing the bill mainly due to ethical concerns raised by Trump's cryptocurrency interests. The House will recess until after the November elections, and the bill may advance during the lame-duck session, with public attention shifting to the Senate Finance Committee.