Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jul 2
Trump's $1.4 Billion Crypto Income Clouds Tax Bill, Which Could Top $518 Million
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jul 2

Trump's $1.4 Billion Crypto Income Clouds Tax Bill, Which Could Top $518 Million

2 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jul 2

Summary

  • $1.4 billion in newly disclosed crypto income has revived questions about how much tax President Trump owes, with experts saying the true bill cannot be pinned down from public filings.
  • A full individual tax treatment at the top 37% federal rate would imply about $518 million owed, while one crypto accountant said at least $250 million is plausible; the total could fall if income sits in corporate entities or is offset by losses.
  • $625 million from the $TRUMP meme coin is listed as royalty income, and more than $590 million came from token sales and an equity stake in a Trump family crypto venture, leaving unclear whether the proceeds are ordinary income, capital gains or business income.
  • The White House declined to answer questions on what taxes were paid, and Trump still does not release tax returns, unlike several past presidents.
  • That opacity is unlikely to ease: a May Justice Department settlement over leaked returns bars the IRS and Treasury from pursuing claims tied to prior tax returns.

Insights

With a $1.4 billion crypto windfall revealed, why might the final tax bill be surprisingly low?
Can a Justice Department deal legally prevent the IRS from examining a president's massive crypto earnings?
How will the tax treatment of meme coin 'royalties' impact the entire digital creator economy?