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Aave debt tokens

Tokens Aave issues to represent an outstanding loan, with variable or stable interest accruing to the balance. They are non-transferable and track what you owe.

What is Aave debt tokens?

Tokens Aave issues to represent an outstanding loan, with variable or stable interest accruing to the balance. They are non-transferable and track what you owe.

Why it matters on your return

A rising debt token balance is interest accruing, which for an investor is not deductible. The loan itself is not income. Repaying with a different token than you borrowed is a disposal of the repayment token.

Example

You borrow 5,000 USDC on Aave and the debt token grows to 5,180 over the year. The $180 of interest is not deductible for an investor. You repay by selling 2 ETH for USDC: the ETH sale is a taxable disposal; the repayment is not.

Can I deduct interest paid on a DeFi loan?

Not for an investor holding crypto personally; investment interest is limited and generally does not reach crypto. A trade or business may deduct it as a business expense.

Source: IRC 163(d); IRC 1001

Last reviewed September 18, 2026. Tax rules change; confirm current law before acting.

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