Washington, D.C. — October 1, 2025: The U.S. Treasury has officially softened its stance on crypto taxation, issuing new guidance that exempts unrealized digital asset gains from the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (CAMT).
This move greatly eases pressure on corporations holding Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, aligning crypto with traditional assets such as stocks and bonds.
The decision comes after months of lobbying from industry leaders like Coinbase and Michael Saylor’s Strategy, who argued that taxing unrealized Bitcoin gains would create billions in “phantom” tax liabilities.
The Treasury’s clarification now provides long‑awaited relief for companies and investors navigating the complex world of crypto taxation.
Treasury Guidance on Bitcoin Taxes
The CAMT, enacted in 2022, imposed a 15% minimum tax on corporations earning over $1 billion annually, based on financial statement income rather than taxable income.
Under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) rules, companies must “mark‑to‑market” their crypto holdings, recording paper gains and losses as if sold at current prices.
Previously, this meant firms could face massive tax bills on unrealized Bitcoin profits. However, the Treasury’s latest guidance excludes digital assets from CAMT liability, effectively leveling the playing field with equities.
Industry Pushback Leads to Change
The shift follows intense lobbying from major players. In May, Coinbase and Strategy submitted a joint letter urging the Treasury to exempt crypto, calling the earlier rule “unfair and unconstitutional.” They warned it could drive American firms offshore in search of friendlier tax regimes2.
IRS officials appear to have taken these concerns seriously. The new guidance now offers regulatory clarity, emboldening more corporations to add Bitcoin to their balance sheets without fear of unpredictable tax shocks.
Political and Market Reactions
Senator Cynthia Lummis (R‑Wyo.), a vocal crypto advocate, hailed the move as “a victory for common sense.” Speaking at the BTC in D.C. event, she emphasized that taxing unrealized gains “doesn’t make sense” and praised the Treasury for helping U.S. companies build Bitcoin treasuries without penalty.
Meanwhile, the Senate Finance Committee continues to debate broader reforms, including a de minimis exemption for small crypto transactions under $300, which could simplify everyday Bitcoin use.
Why This Matters for Bitcoin
For companies like Strategy, which aims to accumulate $1 trillion in Bitcoin reserves, the exemption is a massive win. Without it, the firm risked tens of billions in annual tax liabilities on paper profits.
Additionally, this ruling could encourage more corporations to treat Bitcoin as a treasury asset, boosting mainstream adoption and reinforcing the U.S. as a global crypto hub.
Bitcoin Tax Relief Brings Clarity
The U.S. Treasury’s decision to soften crypto tax rules marks a turning point in digital asset regulation. By excluding unrealized Bitcoin gains from CAMT, the government has eased pressure on corporations, encouraged innovation, and provided long‑awaited clarity for investors.
