Crypto Taxes for International Contractors in 2026
Last updated: 15 October 2026. The team at Rise refreshed this guide with 2026 IRS reporting rules, current stablecoin data, and an FAQ.
Key Takeaways
Crypto pay is taxed at fair market value.
The IRS treats digital assets as property.
2026 Form 1099-NEC threshold: $2,000 per payee.
Foreign contractors usually provide W-8BEN, not W-9.
Stablecoins simplify valuing contractor pay.
The world of international hiring has completely changed over the past 5 years, and paying contractors in cryptocurrency is becoming increasingly popular.
Businesses are using crypto to tap into a global workforce, leveraging the speed and cost-effectiveness of digital currencies.
However, with these new payment methods come complex challenges, especially when it comes to tax compliance.
For example, some US-based companies that paid contractors in Bitcoin found that the fluctuating value of Bitcoin created unexpected tax liabilities.
In the United States, the IRS treats digital assets as property, and crypto received for services is income at its fair market value on the day it is received.
Understanding Cryptocurrency Payments for Contractors
Paying international contractors in cryptocurrency means using digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), or stablecoins like USDC and USDT instead of traditional fiat currencies.
Cryptocurrencies provide fast, borderless transactions, which can be highly appealing for global payrolls.
However, these payments introduce complexities in tax treatment since crypto is classified differently in various jurisdictions.
For instance, in Germany, crypto payments are subject to capital gains tax if held for less than a year.
Stablecoins such as USDC reduce that valuation problem because they track the US dollar. On 15 October 2026, DefiLlama tracked about $306.70 billion in stablecoins, including $72.80 billion in USDC.
It’s important to understand that paying in cryptocurrency differs from fiat payments primarily in how value is tracked and reported, leading to significant tax implications for both employers and contractors.
Learn more about Crypto Payroll.
Tax Implications for Employers
Employers must understand their responsibilities when paying contractors in cryptocurrency.
In most jurisdictions, crypto payments are classified as property, which means that every transaction is potentially a taxable event.
Employers need to determine the fair market value of the cryptocurrency at the time of payment and report this as compensation.
For example, a UK company paid a contractor in Ethereum and was required to report the fair market value at the time of payment in GBP.
For US payers, the reporting threshold changed in 2026: Form 1099-NEC is required once a contractor is paid $2,000 or more in a calendar year, up from $600, per the IRS instructions for Forms 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC.
In addition, employers must consider regulatory requirements in different countries.
For example, withholding taxes may be applicable depending on the contractor’s location.
Misclassifying these payments or failing to comply with local tax laws can lead to fines and other legal issues. It’s essential to be aware of the nuances of each country’s tax rules to avoid compliance risks.
Tax Obligations for Contractors
For international contractors, receiving payments in cryptocurrency means that they must report the income just like any other form of compensation.
However, because cryptocurrency values can fluctuate, contractors need to determine the fair market value of the crypto at the time they receive it and convert this value to their local currency for tax purposes.
For example, a contractor in Canada received payment in Bitcoin and had to convert it to CAD for accurate tax reporting.
Keep a record of the coin, amount, timestamp, and fair market value in local currency for every payment, because that value is both the income figure and the cost basis.
In the United States, payers report contractor pay on Form 1099-NEC, US contractors give the payer a Form W-9, and foreign contractors usually provide a Form W-8BEN. Other countries use their own declarations for crypto income.
Contractors should also be aware that crypto earnings might be subject to both income tax and capital gains tax, depending on how long they hold the assets before converting or spending them.
Navigating Country-Specific Regulations
Cryptocurrency regulations vary significantly from one country to another.
For example, in the United States, crypto payments are treated as property, leading to specific reporting requirements.
In the UK, contractors may be subject to HMRC’s rules on crypto assets, which involve detailed tracking of gains and losses.
In India, contractors receiving crypto payments are required to disclose these transactions under new tax regulations that came into effect in 2022.
Tax authorities publish their own crypto guidance, including HMRC in the UK and the ATO in Australia, so check the contractor’s country before the first payment.
Here are some country-specific regulations to consider:
United States: Crypto payments are treated as property, requiring detailed reporting of fair market value at the time of payment.
United Kingdom: Contractors are subject to HMRC regulations, which involve tracking gains and losses for proper tax reporting.
India: New tax regulations mandate the disclosure of crypto transactions, with strict penalties for non-compliance.
Germany: Cryptocurrency is subject to capital gains tax if held for less than a year, making accurate record-keeping crucial.
Australia: Payments in cryptocurrency are treated as barter transactions, and contractors must report income based on the value at the time of receipt.
Contractors and employers need to be aware of specific challenges, such as tax treaties, permanent establishment risks, and the potential for double taxation.
Resources like country-specific tax guides or consulting with a tax professional can provide more clarity in navigating these complex regulations.
How to File Taxes for International Contractors Who Get Paid in Cryptocurrency
Rise provides a step-by-step process that makes it easy for employers to handle tax compliance when paying international contractors in cryptocurrency.
Here’s how you can streamline the entire process:
Step 1: Join Rise
Start by creating an account on the Rise platform. This account will serve as your central hub for managing international payroll and compliance.
Fill in your company details, verify your identity, and set up your account for secure transactions.
Step 2: Onboard Your Contractors
Invite your international contractors to join Rise. During the onboarding process, contractors will be prompted to provide essential tax information.
Rise automatically issues W9 forms for domestic contractors in the United States and W8-BEN forms for international contractors.
This automation ensures that all relevant tax forms are generated, signed, and submitted without manual intervention, reducing the risk of errors.
Step 3: Set Up Payment Preferences
Contractors can choose how they want to be paid, either in local currency or cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or USDC and USDT.
Rise facilitates hybrid payroll options, allowing you to easily accommodate different contractor preferences.
Step 4: Manage Crypto Payments and Tax Compliance
When paying contractors in cryptocurrency, Rise calculates the fair market value of the payment at the time of transfer, ensuring accurate reporting.
Rise automatically tracks these transactions and provides detailed records, making it easier to comply with tax reporting requirements.
The platform also generates 1099 forms for U.S. contractors and equivalent documents for international contractors, keeping you compliant with local laws.
Step 5: Simplify Tax Filing
As tax season approaches, Rise compiles all necessary forms and reports for both contractors and employers.
Contractors receive their completed tax forms (W9, W8-BEN, 1099) directly through the platform, while employers have access to all relevant payroll records.
This seamless process ensures that both parties have everything they need to file taxes accurately and on time.
Using Rise, employers can rest assured that their international contractors are compliant with tax regulations, while contractors benefit from simplified onboarding and transparent payment processing.
Summary
Filing taxes for international contractors who get paid in cryptocurrency may seem daunting, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be simplified.
Understanding the tax implications, maintaining proper records, and navigating country-specific regulations are all crucial steps in ensuring compliance.
Rise is here to streamline the process, providing features that help both employers and contractors manage crypto payroll effectively.
To learn more about how Rise can help simplify your international crypto payments, book a demo today.
Crypto Taxes for International Contractors FAQ
Is crypto paid to a contractor taxable income?
Yes, in the United States. The IRS treats crypto received for services as income at its fair market value when received, and selling it later can create a capital gain or loss.
Do I need to issue a 1099-NEC for crypto payments?
For 2026 payments to a US contractor, yes, once you pay them $2,000 or more in the year, valued in US dollars when paid. Foreign contractors who give you a W-8BEN generally do not receive a 1099-NEC; check with a tax adviser for your case.
How does Rise handle contractor tax forms?
Rise collects W-9 and W-8BEN forms during onboarding and keeps payment records in one place. Global Contractor costs USD 49 per contractor per month on the Rise pricing page (checked 15 October 2026), and teams can fund pay through USDC payroll.
Pay International Contractors in Crypto With Rise
Book a demo with Rise to see how Rise handles crypto and fiat contractor payouts with tax forms built in. This article is general information, not tax advice.