Is Accepting Crypto Salaries Worth It? Experts Unpack 4 Drawbacks to Know

crypto tax Cryptocurrencies Stablecoin
Last updated:
Crypto Reporter
Crypto Reporter
Shalini Nagarajan
Author Categories
About Author

Shalini is a crypto reporter who provides in-depth reports on daily developments and regulatory shifts in the cryptocurrency sector.

Last updated:
Why Trust Cryptonews
Cryptonews has covered the cryptocurrency industry topics since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts have extensive experience in market analysis and blockchain technologies. We strive to maintain high editorial standards, focusing on factual accuracy and balanced reporting across all areas - from cryptocurrencies and blockchain projects to industry events, products, and technological developments. Our ongoing presence in the industry reflects our commitment to delivering relevant information in the evolving world of digital assets. Read more about Cryptonews

Fueled by a desire for greater flexibility, the exploding popularity of freelancing is ushering in the era of the “crypto worker,” where traditional salaries are swapped for crypto payments.

Crypto payments have gained significant traction recently as a way for freelancers to be paid on their terms.

A recent survey revealed 93% of freelancers around the world want to be paid in crypto or stablecoins. This surge in interest stems from the frustration many face with foreign exchange hassles. Transaction fees and exchange conversions make working with international clients a challenge. Crypto offers a potential solution, streamlining payments and eliminating these roadblocks.

Cryptonews tapped into expert insights to explore the potential pitfalls of crypto salaries.

KYC and AML Rules Pose Challenges

While crypto salaries might seem trendy, Felix Shipkevich, founder of New York-based law firm Shipkevich PLLC, warns they can be trickier than traditional methods.

The main culprit? Crypto’s notorious volatility. Unlike a steady paycheck, Bitcoin and similar currencies can swing wildly in value. This means freelancers could see their hard-earned income shrink before they convert it to usable cash.

And even though Bitcoin’s price has been on a tear, skeptics warn its future remains a gamble. Shipkevich indicated that stablecoins instead offer more stability. But their value is still tied to potentially risky reserve assets.

He also said that freelancers need to navigate a technical learning curve. They would have to understand digital wallets, blockchain, and the intricacies of crypto transactions. To top it all off, ever-changing crypto regulations throw tax compliance into a spin. These headaches can vary by location and may require specialized accounting help.

Further, KYC (know-your-customer) and AML (anti-money laundering) regulations are tightening. This requires freelancers to jump through hoops with identity verification and transaction limits. In short, crypto salaries come with a hefty dose of complexity.

Tax Bill Might Burst Your Bubble

Daniel Krupka, chief research officer at Coin Bureau, said that unlike the simplicity of fiat taxes, crypto throws a wrench into the equation.

“Whereas it’s easy to calculate how much you owe in taxes with fiat payments, it’s less easy with crypto payments, particularly volatile cryptos like BTC,” he said.

Is it a capital gain, regular income, or something else entirely if you hold onto that Bitcoin and its value skyrockets? Krupka emphasizes that the tax headaches, especially with volatile cryptos, might outweigh the initial appeal of crypto payments for freelancers.

Hurdles in Crypto to Cash Conversions

Daniel Fayemi, a backend engineer at Bitvavo, said that converting crypto to cash (off-ramping) can be challenging depending on your location. For instance, in the Netherlands, strict regulations limit the amount of money you can move off an exchange without providing personal details.

Stablecoins Outshine Crypto for Payments

Matthew Leising, co-founder at DeCential Media, said that stablecoins offer an excellent choice for freelancers familiar with crypto and are relatively straightforward for newcomers to establish.

Stablecoins also provide an opportunity to earn a respectable yield within the crypto economy, such as the current 5.1% on USDC at Coinbase. However, a potential challenge arises with the freelancer’s bank, which may be hesitant about facilitating crypto transactions, especially when converting earnings into US dollars or other fiat currencies, Leising said.

According to Rebecca Liao, CEO of Saga, the good news is that legislators and presidential candidates are increasingly embracing crypto. She believes that once comprehensive crypto legislation is enacted in the US, freelancers will extensively receive payment in stablecoins.

More Articles

Altcoin News
Swiss Stock Exchange SIX Introduces Digital Collateral Service for Crypto and Traditional Assets
Ruholamin Haqshanas
Ruholamin Haqshanas
2025-02-12 11:33:55
Industry Talk
Bittensor Price Skyrockets as Elon Makes a Move on OpenAI – Are AI Tokens About to Explode?
Arslan Butt
Arslan Butt
2025-02-12 11:19:57
Crypto News in numbers
editors
Authors List + 66 More
2M+
Active Monthly Users Around the World
250+
Guides and Reviews Articles
8
Years on the Market
70
International Team Authors