U.S. Senate Overturns Controversial IRS DeFi Rule, Paving Way for Trump's Approval

March 27, 2025
U.S. Senate Overturns Controversial IRS DeFi Rule, Paving Way for Trump's Approval
  • The resolution, known as H.J. Res. 25, had already passed the House and needed this final Senate vote before heading to the President's desk.

  • A procedural budget requirement led to a re-vote in the House after the resolution was initially approved by a 292-132 vote.

  • On March 26, 2025, the Senate voted decisively, 70-28, to repeal an IRS rule that expanded the definition of 'broker' for tax reporting, sending the resolution to President Trump for approval.

  • This repeal targets a Biden-era IRS rule that required decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols to report transactions to tax authorities, a move that critics argued would impose heavy compliance costs and stifle innovation.

  • Supporters of the repeal, including industry leaders like Dan Gambardello, view it as a positive step for DeFi innovation, suggesting that reduced regulation will foster growth in the sector.

  • Conversely, some lawmakers, such as Democratic Representative Lloyd Doggett, warned that repealing the rule could facilitate tax evasion and create loopholes for wealthy criminals.

  • Leading figures in the crypto sector, including Blockchain Association CEO Kristin Smith, celebrated the Senate's decision as a significant victory for the industry.

  • The Senate's vote was backed by a mix of bipartisan lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, although it was primarily supported by Republicans.

  • Overall, the repeal is seen as a significant victory for the cryptocurrency industry, aiming to lessen regulatory oversight in the DeFi space.

  • The IRS rule faced backlash from crypto industry leaders, prompting a lawsuit from the DeFi Education Fund and other groups, who argued it would drive innovation offshore due to its burdensome requirements.

  • President Trump has expressed support for the repeal and is expected to sign it into law, with senior advisors recommending its passage.

  • If signed, this would mark the first cryptocurrency-related bill to become law under Trump's administration, underscoring its historical significance.

Summary based on 6 sources


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