The Chain: All Guides

Every guide on the site as a block on one of three chains: trading basics, exchanges and wallets, rules and taxes. Read one and it is confirmed.

Chain ATrading BasicsHow crypto trading works, market and limit orders, stablecoins, and the risks regulators warn about.
Chain BExchanges & WalletsWhat to ask a crypto platform, every fee between buying and selling, hot and cold wallets, and seed phrase security.
Chain CRules & TaxesHow the IRS taxes crypto, how to report trades, the scams to avoid and who regulates crypto platforms.
Block 09prev 08Crypto Taxes in the USThe IRS treats digital assets as property, so selling, swapping or spending crypto can create a capital gain or loss, while staking rewards, airdrops and crypto pay are ordinary income. Which events are taxable, how gains are figured, the 2026 capital gains thresholds, and which transactions are not taxable.4 min readPending✓ ConfirmedBlock 10prev 09Reporting Crypto Trades on Your Tax ReturnHow crypto activity flows onto a federal return: the digital asset question on Form 1040, Form 1099-DA from brokers (with basis reporting starting for assets bought after 2025), Form 8949 and Schedule D for sales and swaps, income from staking or pay, and the records you need when the 1099 is incomplete.4 min readPending✓ ConfirmedBlock 11prev 10Crypto Scams to AvoidThe crypto scams the FTC, SEC, CFTC and IRS warn about most: relationship and romance investment scams, fake platforms that block withdrawals, impersonators of companies and regulators, celebrity giveaways, Ponzi schemes, and fake recovery services. How each one works, the warning signs, and where to report.4 min readPending✓ ConfirmedBlock 12prev 11How Crypto Exchanges Are Regulated in the USNo single agency oversees crypto platforms. FinCEN treats exchangers as money transmitters under the Bank Secrecy Act, the CFTC treats bitcoin as a commodity, the SEC oversees crypto assets that are securities, and the 2025 GENIUS Act created federal rules for stablecoin issuers. What each covers, what protections are missing, and how to check a platform.4 min readPending✓ Confirmed