How to get paid in cryptocurrency as a freelancer
You can get paid in crypto by sharing a wallet address or payment link; agree on coin and network first, then report the income on US taxes.
Vahe HakobyanEditor-in-chief
Updated Oct 6, 20263 min readFact-checked
On this page
- Use a wallet only you control.
- Agree on coin, network, and amount.
- Check details before the client sends.
- Crypto income is usually taxable.
- Save transaction details for tax records.
You need a wallet you control, an agreed payment method, and a clear invoice. Decide how you will track each payment before you share details.
What you need before you start
Use a self-custody wallet you control for client payments. You hold the recovery phrase. A custodial exchange account can hold crypto, but the provider controls access.
Steps to get paid in crypto
Agree on payment details before you invoice. Your client needs the coin and network, and you need a wallet that supports them.
- 1Agree on coin and networkAsk your client which coin and network they will use. Confirm your wallet supports both before you quote.
- 2Put details on the invoiceWrite your wallet address, the exact amount, and the agreed coin and network on the invoice. Add a payment link if you have one.
- 3Watch and fix problemsLook up the transaction on a block explorer and check the coin, network, amount, and address. For a wrong network or underpayment, contact the client and their exchange, because recovery is often impossible.
After payment: records and taxes
Keep the date, coin, network, amount, dollar value, and transaction ID for each payment. The IRS treats crypto as property, so work payments in crypto are usually ordinary income at that value.
Frequently asked questions
You usually owe income tax when you receive it. Later sales or trades can trigger capital gains tax.
Contact the client and their exchange with the transaction ID. Recovery is often impossible.
Yes, if the exchange lets them withdraw the agreed coin on the agreed network. Use a self-custody wallet for your coins and networks, or check any memo or tag a custodial account requires.
