A blockchain split that creates a new coin. If you receive new units you can control, the IRS treats their value as income when received.
Under IRS guidance, a hard fork that gives you new units you can control is ordinary income at fair market value on that date. A fork where you receive nothing is not income. Exchanges that credit forked coins months later create timing questions about when control began.
If you never gained control of the new units, there is no income to report.
Last reviewed September 10, 2026. Tax rules change; confirm current law before acting.
A confidential consultation. Tell us what you have, and we will tell you what applies and what it costs.
Hourly billing, estimated up front, with a deposit applied to the work.
Fill this out and we will reach out to schedule your consultation.
