Cryptocurrency exchange in USA

Published:
March 28, 2025
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Today we will consider the country in which crypto has different legal status and specific applications, which differ from each other, in all countries of the world . In US law, crypto-currencies are not legal tender and states get regulated by him, i.e., federal law.

By the way, Donald Trump signed a bill that closed a tax loophole that allowed traders to avoid paying taxes on exchanges crypto in US.

It is noted that this has become one of the most significant changes in US tax legislation in the last 30 years.

In March 2014, the IRS defined BTC and other crypto`s as property. Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code allowed tax-free exchanges of “like-kind assets,” allowing crypto owners (as well as real estate and art dealers) to conduct tax-free operations.

From January 2018, only real estate will be subject to Section 1031. And the definition of “property” will be narrowed to “tangible property”, which neither bitcoins nor other crypto fall down.

Thus, from 2018 in the USA, all transactions on the one for another crypto exchange will be taxed.

License for crypto in country

In particular, such organizations should:

  • register as financial service providers;
  • obtain the appropriate license – bitlicense;
  • inform U.S. regulators of certain transactions

Below you can note best ones cryptocurrency exchange sites in USA:

  • Coinbase.
  • Binance.US.
  • CEX.io.
  • Gemini.
  • Kraken.

Also, they can also be noted as the best cryptocurrency exchanges in USA.

To obtain a crypto license to exchange in US, potential exchangers must:

  • US Treasury registration (registration must be renewed every two years).
  • Comply with AML/CTF policy.
  • Notify competent authorities of suspicious operations.
  • Submit a report of operations in excess of 10,000 USD.
  • Store money transfer data.
  • Maintain currency exchange records.

Obtaining a license for crypto: features

Companies that already have licenses whose activities are related to operations on transfer with crypto are handled by the US FinCEN regulator of finances. The business permits granted can be federal, as well as local – within the states. To work at the national level, it is necessary to renew the license annually, the state renewal fee can be 300 thousand USD or more.

One of the benefits that businessmen will receive after licensing is the possibility of legalization in other countries. Thus, the company will be able to provide services for working with crypto in any country in the world where such a crypto-license is recognized. This will make it easier for firms to open a bank account if they choose to operate outside of the United States.

What are the consequences of not complying with FinCEN’s rules?

US institutions must be aware of all federal and state regulations and requirements, their non-compliance can lead to serious consequences. The activity of an unlicensed money transfer business is prohibited by law. A violation may occur if the MSB is not registered with FinCEN or operates in a state without an appropriate crypto exchange license in the United States

Getting MoneyTransmitter license applies you to:

  1. provision of services related to money operations;
  2. dealer activity with foreign currency;
  3. implementation of postal money operations;
  4. currency exchange for an amount exceeding 1000 USD;
  5. issuers and sellers of travelers checks, etc.

Step-by-step instructions on obtaining a license

If you want to open a crypto exchange, you need to familiarize yourself with the necessary steps to obtain a license for it:

  1. Establishment of a company
  2. Open a bank account in the one of the United States banks
  3. Preparation of all documents for obtaining a guaranteed license
  4. Payment of mandatory fees and duties.
  5. Verification by regulatory bodies of the company’s compliance with legal requirements.
  6. Coordination with representatives of the regulator, various consultations, interviews with company management

Process of obtaining a license to operate with crypto-currencies is complex and time-consuming, requiring careful preparation and certain experience on the part of the applicant. If you want to start a crypto-currency activity and you need a license for a crypto-exchange in the USA, then you can contact the experienced specialists of our company for more information.

How different states relate to crypto

If you are interested in the possibility of licensing a company, please note that each state has its own attitude towards digital money. At the same time, disputable situations may arise, since in some states a license for digital currencies is not provided at all.

The same applies to the size of the permitted capital, features of taxation, and so on. The following fact also deserves attention: in most states there is a condition that the clients accounts must have a certain amount – from 1000 to 1 million USD. At the same time, in the state of Georgia, this issue is, in principle, not stipulated at the legislative level.

To understand all these nuances, as well as easily and quickly obtain a license for a crypto exchange, please contact our company. Specialists will answer any of your questions, provide the necessary legal advice and deal with the issue of licensing your company working with digital currencies.

Crypto companies in the USA: taxation

It is important to consider some factors when choosing a state or some administrative territory:

  • where licenses granted for crypto, because in New Mexico, for example, there is no licensing for this matter;
  • what is the required for company registration is amount of authorized capital;
  • to support further growth and expansion of business need to have a minimum capital;
  • tax rates at the company’s profit from transfers with crypto is taxed.

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