IRS Finally Admits Staking Isn’t Witchcraft (Mostly)

by

The US Treasury and IRS have introduced Revenue Procedure 2025-31, providing crypto ETFs and trusts with a clear pathway to stake digital assets and share rewards with investors.

This safe harbor resolves long-standing tax and legal issues that prevented institutional funds from joining proof-of-stake (PoS) networks. Or, as the bureaucrats might say, “We’ve finally figured out how to make money while pretending we understand blockchain.” 🧙♂️

This development represents a major milestone for institutional crypto adoption. It aligns staking procedures with SEC compliance, offering the traditional finance sector a secure and compliant way to earn yield from cryptocurrencies. Provided they don’t trip over their own red tape first, of course. 🤡

US Treasury and IRS Open Safe Harbor for Crypto Staking in ETFs

The US Treasury and IRS have officially recognized staking as a tax-compliant activity for regulated investment products, marking a pivotal moment for crypto adoption. Or, as one weary accountant muttered, “At least now I can stop crying into my coffee every time someone says ‘proof-of-stake.’” ☕

Under Revenue Procedure 2025-31, ETFs (exchange-traded funds) and trusts can now stake digital assets and distribute rewards directly to investors. It marks an unprecedented move that legitimizes staking within the traditional financial system. Or, as the markets might say, “Finally, a rule that doesn’t require a PhD in Taxonomy 101.” 🎓

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed that the guidance “boosts innovation and keeps America the global leader in digital asset and blockchain technology.” Translation: “We’re not letting Europe get ahead of us in this weird internet money thing.” 🌍

Today @USTreasury and the @IRSnews issued new guidance giving crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) a clear path to stake digital assets and share staking rewards with their retail investors.

This move increases investor benefits, boosts innovation, and keeps America the…

– Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) November 10, 2025

Safe Harbor Framework Enables Institutional Staking

The new rule introduces a safe harbor for regulated crypto funds, defining how they can stake assets while remaining compliant with tax and securities laws. Or, as the legal team might call it, “A life raft in a sea of paperwork.” 🚢

According to Consensys lawyer Bill Hughes, trusts may stake on permissionless proof-of-stake (PoS) networks if they:

  • Hold only one digital asset type and cash. (Because variety is the spice of life, but also a regulatory nightmare.)
  • Use a qualified custodian for key management and staking execution. (Because even dragons need a vault manager.)
  • Maintain SEC-approved liquidity policies, ensuring redemptions with staked assets. (Because “I can’t cash out my crypto because it’s busy being a validator” is not a good customer service answer.)
  • Keep independent, arm’s-length agreements with staking providers. (Because trust is overrated, but paperwork is eternal.)
  • Restrict activities to holding, staking, and redeeming assets, meaning no discretionary trading. (Because “I traded your crypto for a meme” is not a winning pitch.)

This structure goes beyond safeguarding investors, removing the long-standing legal and tax uncertainty that deterred fund sponsors from integrating staking yield. Or, as one fund manager said, “Finally, a rule that doesn’t make me want to burn the entire internet down.” 🔥

“[The guidance] transforms staking from a compliance risk into a tax-recognized, institutionally viable activity,” Hughes explained. (Translation: “We’re not burning our fingers on this one.”)

Analysts Call It a “Game Changer” for Crypto ETFs

ETF analyst Eric Balchunas highlighted the development, recognizing Bessent’s post as the first time the Treasury Secretary tweeted about ETFs.

Safe to say this is the first time Treasury secretary has tweeted about ETFs 🔥

– Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) November 10, 2025

Market analysts view the decision as a turning point for Ethereum, Solana, and other PoS networks. BMNR Bullz, a popular account on X (Twitter), described it as a big win for Ethereum and crypto ETFs, predicting it could unlock significant institutional capital. Or, as they might say, “This is the day the dragons start investing in Bitcoin.” 🐉

“Another big win for Ethereum & crypto ETFs… this is the kind of regulatory clarity that unlocks trillions in institutional capital. ETH is leading the charge with record stablecoin volume, institutional staking, and tokenized assets all booming on Ethereum. If ETFs can offer staking yield directly to investors, that’s a game changer for mainstream crypto adoption,” they wrote. (Translation: “We’re all going to be rich and solvent now.”)

Ethereum’s staking yields have averaged around 2.98% over the past six months, according to Grayscale research, while Solana typically offers between 4% and 8% annually. These rates could soon be incorporated into ETF products. Or, as one investor said, “I’ll take the 8%, thanks. And maybe a sandwich.” 🥪

“…staking is now tax-recognized, compliant, and ready for institutions to fully take advantage,” said Eleanor Terret, host of Crypto America. (Translation: “We’re not all going to jail today.”)

Industry surveys echo the demand for such clarity. EY’s 2025 Institutional Investor Digital Assets Survey identified regulatory ambiguity as the top barrier to adoption. Or, as one investor put it, “I’d invest if I knew what the rules were. But the rules change every week!” 🤷♂️

Amundi Research similarly found that legal certainty and strong custody frameworks are key to mainstream acceptance. Or, as the custodians might say, “We’ll guard your crypto like it’s the last loaf of bread in the apocalypse.” 🍞

The new tax-recognized framework paves the way for staking-enabled ETFs and trusts to become standard offerings. Products like REXShares’ Ethereum Staking ETF, launched in September 2025, have already demonstrated strong investor appetite. Or, as the marketing team might say, “This isn’t a fad-it’s a financial revolution!” 💸

For both retail and institutional players, the development transforms staking from a niche crypto activity into a compliant, yield-generating financial strategy. Or, as one investor whispered, “Finally, a way to make money without needing a PhD in Taxonomy 101.” 🎓

With the US now providing the clearest legal path yet, more capital is likely to flow into PoS ecosystems. This could strengthen network security, decentralization, and investor confidence in the next phase of crypto integration. Or, as the market might say, “Welcome to the future-where everyone still loses money, but at least it’s legal.” 🚀

Read More

2025-11-11 01:36