Bitcoin News Today: IRS Excludes Crypto Gains from CAMT, Boosting Corporate Adoption

The U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued interim guidance on September 30, 2025, clarifying that unrealized gains on digital assets will not be subject to the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (CAMT) title1^[1]. This move addresses longstanding concerns among corporations holding Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, particularly those adhering to fair value accounting standards. The guidance, outlined in Notices 2025-46 and 2025-49, excludes unrealized gains from Adjusted Financial Statement Income (AFSI), the tax base for CAMT, thereby removing a potential multi-billion-dollar liability for firms with substantial crypto holdings title2^[2]. The Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax, established under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, imposes a 15% minimum tax on corporations reporting over $1 billion in annual average AFSI title3^[3].

Prominent Bitcoin holders, including Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) and Coinbase, stand to benefit significantly. Strategy, which holds over 640,000 BTC valued at approximately $74 billion, previously faced estimated tax liabilities of $27 billion in unrealized gains under the original CAMT framework title4^[4]. The new rules allow companies to exclude these gains from AFSI calculations, eliminating a key financial overhang. This relief aligns with corporate strategies to treat Bitcoin as a reserve asset, as exemplified by Strategy's long-term goal of accumulating $1 trillion in BTC title5^[5]. Coinbase, another major holder of Bitcoin, similarly avoids potential tax burdens, reinforcing its commitment to digital asset integration title6^[6].

The guidance emerged after sustained industry lobbying, including a joint letter from Strategy and Coinbase in May 2025. The companies argued that taxing unrealized gains created an unfair distinction from traditional assets like stocks and bonds, risked forced asset sales to cover taxes, and raised constitutional concerns over taxing non-existent income title7^[7]. Republican lawmakers, including Senator Cynthia Lummis, also pressured regulators to address the "unintended tax burden" on digital asset firms, emphasizing its impact on U.S. competitiveness against foreign firms not subject to similar accounting rules title8^[8].

Market reactions were immediate and positive. Following the announcement, Strategy's stock surged nearly 6% in premarket trading, reflecting investor confidence in the removal of tax uncertainty title9^[9]. Bitcoin prices also saw upward momentum, with analysts anticipating sustained institutional adoption as regulatory clarity reduces perceived risks title10^[10]. The Treasury's interim relief aligns with broader executive orders promoting U.S. leadership in digital finance, including Executive Order 14178 on strengthening digital financial technology and 14219 on identifying regulations hindering innovation title11^[11].

The Senate Finance Committee is set to hold a hearing on October 1, 2025, to examine digital asset taxation, featuring industry representatives and tax experts . While the guidance is interim, the Treasury and IRS plan to incorporate these provisions into final regulations. Companies can rely on the current rules until formalized, with no application to tax years preceding final rule publication . This development underscores a shift toward accommodating digital assets within traditional financial frameworks, potentially encouraging more corporations to adopt Bitcoin as a reserve asset.

The exclusion of unrealized gains from CAMT calculations is expected to stabilize corporate crypto portfolios, reducing the risk of forced sales to meet tax obligations. For companies like Strategy, the move validates long-term Bitcoin accumulation strategies and enhances investor confidence . Analysts suggest this regulatory clarity could catalyze broader institutional participation, deepening market liquidity and fostering innovation in crypto-related financial products . As the IRS and Congress continue refining digital asset policies, the U.S. may solidify its position as a global leader in crypto adoption, balancing innovation with regulatory accountability.