KeyTakeaways:
White House backs CRA resolution to repeal IRS DeFi broker rule, citing regulatory burdens.  Lawmakers argue DeFi developers should not be classified as brokers under tax laws.  Senate vote will determine the future of U.S. crypto regulations and innovation.
The White House has expressed support for a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution aimed at repealing the IRS’s 2024 DeFi broker rule. The rule expands the definition of a broker to include developers and operators of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and requires them to report user transaction data to the IRS. The resolution, which will be voted on in the Senate, seeks to reverse this regulation, citing concerns over its impact on the development of DeFi technologies.
David Sacks, the White House’s Crypto and AI advisor, confirmed the administration’s backing of the CRA resolution. He emphasized that the rule, introduced during the final months of the Biden administration, imposes excessive reporting obligations on DeFi developers.
According to the White House, these new requirements place undue burdens on software developers and infrastructure providers in the crypto space. The administration’s support aligns with lawmakers who argue that the rule’s expansive classification of brokers under existing tax laws is inappropriate for the decentralized nature of blockchain technologies.
Lawmakers Push for Regulatory Clarity
Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Mike Carey, the sponsors of the CRA resolution, argue that DeFi developers should not be categorized as brokers. They point out that these developers do not directly facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers and therefore should not be subject to tax reporting requirements aimed at traditional brokers.
Read Also: Lawmakers Unite to Block IRS Rule Threatening DeFi and Crypto Innovation
The resolution requires approval from both the House and Senate, with the Senate vote expected soon. Supporters contend that the broad scope of the rule could adversely affect innovation within the DeFi and blockchain sectors.
Potential Consequences of the IRS Broker Rule
Critics, including Peter Van Valkenburgh, Executive Director of Coin Center, warn that the enforcement of broker-like reporting requirements could stifle technological progress in the DeFi space. They argue that these compliance obligations may discourage developers from launching platforms in the U.S., fearing legal and regulatory challenges.
Experts also highlight the impracticality of compliance for decentralized platforms, which do not have a central authority managing user accounts or funds. Many DeFi protocols operate through smart contracts, making it difficult for platforms to track or verify user identities and transactions like centralized entities.
Senate Vote to Decide the Fate of the CRA Resolution
The Senate vote on the CRA resolution was initially scheduled for March 5, but potential delays related to the State of the Union address may push the vote back. If passed, the CRA resolution would annul the IRS regulation. This vote is seen as an early test of how the U.S. government will approach future crypto regulations, especially in balancing innovation with tax compliance.
The outcome of the CRA resolution may set the tone for future U.S. crypto policy. With the White House’s support and the backing of pro-crypto lawmakers, the resolution suggests a potential shift toward a more supportive regulatory environment for digital assets.
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