House Committee unveils crypto tax plan that could reshape DeFi

The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee has released seven crypto tax discussion drafts that would introduce new rules for decentralized finance lending, stablecoin payments, staking rewards, and other digital asset transactions ahead of a June 9 congressional hearing.

According to crypto journalist Eleanor Terrett, the discussion package breaks crypto tax policy into a series of standalone proposals covering areas such as stablecoins, mining, staking, DeFi lending, wash-sale rules, charitable donations, and a voluntary disclosure program for taxpayers with unresolved crypto reporting issues.

The proposals arrive as lawmakers increase their focus on how digital assets should be taxed in the United States. Several of the subjects included in the drafts were previously grouped together under greater legislative efforts, including the bipartisan Digital Asset Protection, Accountability, Regulation, Innovation, Taxation, and Yields Act, known as the PARITY Act, and separate legislation introduced by Senator Cynthia Lummis.

DeFi lending and stablecoin transactions move into focus

Among the most closely watched provisions are those affecting decentralized finance activity. Terrett said the discussion drafts address DeFi lending, an area that has faced years of uncertainty over how transactions should be treated under U.S. tax law.

The package also includes provisions related to stablecoin payments. Under one proposal, compliant stablecoins could qualify for a de minimis treatment on small gains and losses generated through everyday transactions.

The measure would allow certain low-value payments to receive different tax treatment from speculative crypto trades. At the same time, lawmakers continue to examine how stablecoins should be treated within the tax system.

As reported by crypto.news earlier, the bipartisan PARITY Act proposed a deemed-basis rule for regulated dollar-pegged payment stablecoins. According to Representative Steven Horsford’s office, the provision would treat digital dollars used as payment instruments more like cash for tax purposes while including safeguards against trading and arbitrage abuse.

Several anti-abuse measures also appear in the new discussion drafts. Terrett said the proposals would extend wash-sale and constructive-sale rules to crypto transactions, bringing digital assets closer to the framework already applied to traditional financial markets.

Mining and staking rules remain under review

Tax treatment of mining and staking rewards remains another major topic within the package. According to Terrett, the discussion drafts include provisions addressing both activities alongside charitable contributions and reporting requirements.

Related legislative efforts have already sought changes in this area. Under the PARITY Act introduced by Representatives Horsford, Max Miller, Suzan DelBene, and Mike Carey in May, taxpayers would be allowed to elect when staking and mining rewards become taxable. Horsford’s office said the proposal is designed to address the so-called phantom income issue faced by some participants.

Earlier coverage also noted that 18 bipartisan lawmakers urged the Internal Revenue Service to revisit its 2023 staking guidance before the 2026 tax year.

Attention now turns to the Ways and Means Committee hearing scheduled for June 9, where the discussion drafts are expected to play a central role. Terrett said the proposals will likely feature prominently during the proceedings as lawmakers evaluate potential changes to crypto taxation.

Outside the tax debate, Congress continues to consider other digital asset legislation. The CLARITY Act is advancing through the legislative process, while Representative Nick Begich recently introduced the American Reserves Modernization Act, a bill that would pursue budget-neutral methods of increasing U.S. Bitcoin reserve holdings rather than requiring the government to purchase up to 1 million BTC over five years.