The IRS Wants to Tax Your Cryptocurrency 271

As we know, blockchain technology is premised on anonymity. Transactions are public, but linked only to an electronic address. Anonymity, though, is the main fuel for underground economies, whose transactions are currently conducted primarily through cash. If cryptocurrencies were to replace cash as the preferred medium of exchange, they could potentially expand the underground economy because of associated anonymity and convenience.

The U.S. Government recognizes this. Steven Mnuchin, Secretary of the U.S. Treasury, said recently that Bitcoin could become “the next Swiss bank account.” And the Internal Revenue Service estimates that it loses about $500 billion annually because of unreported wages alone. But although the IRS has been pushing to break the anonymity of cryptocurrencies, the agency has hit a hurdle: From 2013 to 2015, less than 900 people each year reported Bitcoin transactions on their taxes.

That said, every purchase you make with cryptocurrencies, is supposed to be reported. So whether you’ve used Bitcoin — or any other coin — as an investment or a currency, in their eyes, you owe taxes on it. Let’s say you’ve held Bitcoin for less than a year and sell them, that cash could be taxed as income. If you’ve held for more than a year, it could be taxed as a capital gain — which run up to 20%. Furthermore, adding on transaction and accounting fees could raise costs to a staggering 60%.

Exchanges are facing trouble, too. Last year the IRS served a summons to Coinbase. In the summons, the agency called for the records of over 14,000 users who “bought, sold, sent, or received at least $20,000 worth of Bitcoin in a given year.” A federal court ultimately ruled in favor of the IRS, but the tax status of those transactions is still unknown.

Moving forward, things have looked slightly better. A bipartisan bill, “The Cryptocurrency Tax Fairness Act,” was presented to Congress this past September. The bill seeks to create a tax exemption for transactions under $600. Regardless, though some remain hopeful for amnesty, it looks like the IRS is going to continue to pursue a cut of the cryptocurrency market — only the future will tell how successful they are.

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StepMania Launches on Telegram: A Gamified Step-Challenge Experience for Everyone 1133

5 2 2025 1

Combining activity tracking, engaging challenges, and Web3 rewards, StepMania motivates users to turn their steps into in-game benefits and rewards.

5th February 2025, British Virgin IslandsStepMania is a gamified activity-tracking app built to inspire daily movement and reward users for staying active. Accessible through Telegram’s MiniApp ecosystem, StepMania turns steps into in-game rewards, fostering healthier habits through leaderboards, squad challenges, and exciting in-game rewards. With a focus on integrating online and offline activity, StepMania creates a unique way for users to stay connected, motivated, and rewarded.

Backed by The Open Platform (TOP), the largest venture builder in TON’s ecosystem, StepMania is a groundbreaking addition to TOP’s portfolio. By bridging online and offline engagement, StepMania exemplifies a vision of empowering innovative products that merge real-world activities with digital ecosystems.

What Makes StepMania Different?

Unlike other step challenge platforms such as STEPN, which often require users to purchase expensive NFTs or navigate complex Web3 processes, StepMania eliminates these barriers. By seamlessly connecting to popular health tracking tools like Apple Health and Google Health Connect, StepMania makes it easy for anyone with a smartphone to start earning in-game rewards. With a focus on social engagement through leaderboards, squad challenges, and influencer-hosted tournaments, StepMania creates a fun and inclusive experience for users of all levels—from casual walkers to Web3 enthusiasts.

Why Telegram?

StepMania is built for Telegram, one of the world’s largest messaging platforms with nearly 1 billion users. By tapping into Telegram’s MiniApp ecosystem, StepMania offers a frictionless experience where users can access activity tracking, leaderboards, and in-game rewards without downloading additional apps. Telegram’s built-in social features also enhance engagement, allowing users to compete with friends, participate in challenges, and share their achievements—all within the same app.

StepMania and the TON Ecosystem

StepMania serves as a gateway to TON’s growing ecosystem by introducing users to blockchain-based in-game rewards through everyday activities. The app enables TON-based projects to engage with highly active audiences by sharing activities and in-game rewards.As StepMania grows its app audience, the aim is to create opportunities for further partnerships, adoption, and innovation.

With StepMania, users can:

  • Earn Rewards: Convert steps into in-game rewards and unlock exciting features.
  • Compete with Friends: Climb leaderboards, join squad battles, and participate in influencer-hosted tournaments.
  • Stay Engaged: Participate in competitions featuring in-game rewards and exclusive in-app features.
  • Discover Web3: Explore partnerships with TON-based projects and benefit from additional features and partnerships from the broader ecosystem.

“At StepMania, our mission is to inspire people to lead more active lives by turning everyday steps into something meaningful. We believe that every movement counts, and through engaging product mechanics, we’re motivating users to connect their offline efforts with in-game rewards. StepMania isn’t just a step-challenge app—it’s a movement to make activity more rewarding and accessible for everyone.”

In the coming months, StepMania will continue its expansion by collaborating with various TON-based projects and exploring partnerships with brands, events, and wearable companies. These efforts will enhance the platform’s value, introducing new ways for users to benefit from various exciting features and engage with a growing activity-driven community.

Join the movement and start stepping with StepMania. Visit https://t.me/Step_mania_bot/app to get started or follow us on Twitter and visit our website for the latest updates.

About StepMania

StepMania is an activity-tracking app that combines gamification, in-game rewards, and blockchain technology to motivate users to stay active. StepMania aims to create a seamless connection between offline activity and digital rewards, making it an exciting addition to TON ecosystem.

Website | Telegram Mini App | Telegram | X

Altcoin.University Empowers Crypto Startups with Revenue-Sharing Guide Submissions 1104

Altcoin.University, a premier educational hub for blockchain and cryptocurrency learning, is launching an innovative opportunity for crypto startups to showcase their projects while generating revenue. Through its new Project Course Submission Program, startups can submit educational guides about their projects on a revenue-sharing basis, providing valuable insights to learners while gaining visibility in the crypto community.

This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between emerging blockchain projects and an audience eager to understand and engage with the latest innovations in the industry. By offering founder-led or expert-curated courses, startups can educate users on their project’s mission, technology, tokenomics, and real-world applications—all while earning a share of the course revenue.

How It Works:

  1. Submit a Guide – Crypto startups can propose and develop a structured educational guide tailored to their project.
  2. Get Featured on Altcoin.University – Approved guides will be hosted on the platform, exposing them to a growing audience of blockchain learners.
  3. Earn Revenue – Instructors and project teams will receive a percentage of the guides sales, creating a sustainable and educational promotional channel.

We believe that education is key to adoption. By allowing startups to create and monetize educational content, we’re fostering a more informed crypto ecosystem while giving projects a new way to connect with their audience

Altcoin.University invites Web3 projects, DeFi protocols, NFT platforms, and blockchain innovators to participate in this unique program. Whether launching a new token or building a decentralized application, startups can leverage this initiative to educate, engage, and expand their community.

Interested projects that are listed or about to be listed on an exchange can apply now at Altcoin.University to submit their guides submission for review. We will announce the chosen startups monthly underneath the submission form on the submission page.

Telegram https://t.me/+xZblvGVxqF01ZDRh
Website https://Altcoin.University

Klickl Partners with IMKAN Properties to Pioneer Cryptocurrency Payments in UAE Real Estate 1182

The collaboration highlights the UAE’s role in the adoption of digital currencies.

Klickl, the UAE-based Web3 financial platform, has announced a collaboration with IMKAN Properties, a leading global real estate developer based in Abu Dhabi, to facilitate property purchases through cryptocurrency.

This collaboration aims to enhance real estate transactions by introducing a new financial model designed to improve the home-buying experience for both regional and international buyers.

The collaboration responds to increasing interest in alternative payment solutions within high-value sectors like real estate, particularly among international buyers looking for secure and efficient transaction methods. By offering Klickl’s cutting-edge cryptocurrency payment processing system, IMKAN aims to provide customers with seamless access to these capabilities, making it easier for them to invest in premium real estate across the UAE.

The integration of cryptocurrency by one of the UAE’s major real estate developers serves to reinforce the country’s status as a global hub for digital currency use as well as underline the growth trajectory of this domain. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi have made efforts in recent years to advance regulations as well as attract businesses, talent, and investment related to digital assets.

“Our collaboration with IMKAN aligns with our mission to extend the benefits of Web3 technologies into everyday business transactions,” said Michael Zhao, CEO of Klickl. “From cross-border remittances to real estate investments, digital currencies offer an unmatched level of convenience, transparency, and efficiency. By supporting Imkan’s customers with both crypto payment acceptance and fiat conversion, we are creating a model that other real estate companies can adopt to attract a new generation of buyers.” He went on to say.

Cryptocurrency-Enabled Transactions – A First for IMKAN Properties

The collaboration will allow IMKAN to offer its clients the option of converting cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins like USDT for use to invest in premium real estate. With these options, both local and international buyers can gain greater flexibility, avoiding the complexities and delays that often come with cross-border bank conversions.

One of the key drivers behind this initiative is the increasing number of international investors in UAE real estate. The ability to use digital currencies for conversion will streamline transactions for overseas buyers, especially those in emerging markets or regions with less-developed banking infrastructure.

“Crypto is more than a payment method—it’s a financial tool that enables us to operate more efficiently across borders,” Zhao explained. “Our goal with IMKAN is to offer this technology to its customers in a way that enhances liquidity and supports business continuity, providing real estate developers with the financial stability they need to grow.”

Klickl’s platform will be offered seamlessly with IMKAN’s existing sales and payment systems. Buyers can experience a straightforward process where cryptocurrency payments can be made through a secure platform, and all necessary regulatory checks will be conducted automatically.

Compliance and Security at the Forefront

Given the increasing scrutiny around digital assets, Klickl will ensure that all transactions are compliant with UAE regulations. From Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols to anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, the platform incorporates best-in-class security features to protect both IMKAN and its clients.

“We are committed to maintaining the highest levels of security and compliance,” Zhao emphasized. “Every transaction will go through rigorous checks to ensure it meets regulatory standards, so our partners and their customers can transact with confidence.”

The Future of Real Estate with Digital Finance

The collaboration between Klickl and IMKAN represents a milestone in the UAE’s journey toward becoming a global hub for digital finance. As part of the initiative, the two companies will establish a dedicated task force to oversee the rollout of the offer to use crypto for real estate payments. This group aims to focus on optimizing the customer experience and gathering feedback to refine the offering over time.

The long-term vision includes expanding the use of digital finance tools across IMKAN’s full range of projects, from residential developments to large-scale commercial properties.

“The UAE is rapidly emerging as a major crypto hub driven by the region’s welcoming regulatory environment and its proactive approach to supporting the digital asset sector. As one of the nation’s leading real estate developers, IMKAN is proud to play a decisive role in revolutionizing real estate transactions by embracing cryptocurrency for property investments. Together with Klickl, we are helping to ensure that the UAE will remain a leader and not a follower in digital currency proliferation,” said Engineer Suwaidan Al Dhaheri, CEO of IMKAN Properties.

A Strategic Initiative for Industry Advancement

As one of the major real estate players in the region to offer cryptocurrency in connection with payments, IMKAN is setting a precedent for others to follow. The collaboration with Klickl comes at a time when the UAE is solidifying its reputation as a global leader in financial innovation, supported by forward-thinking regulations and a favorable business environment.

“This collaboration demonstrates how blockchain and digital assets can bring real value to traditional industries,” said Zhao. “It’s not just about following trends; it’s about using these technologies to solve real-world challenges and unlock new opportunities. We see the potential for this model to reshape not only real estate but also other sectors where high-value transactions are common.”

About Klickl

Klickl is a premier Web 3.0 Open Finance platform based in the UAE, providing crypto-friendly banking and digital payment solutions as foundational infrastructure for the Web3 sector. Leveraging its own crypto infrastructure, global settlement systems, and partnerships with traditional banks, Klickl offers a comprehensive suite of services, including accounts, custody wallets, payments, settlements, on/off ramps, and trading within a distributed regulatory compliance framework. As the first to deploy a customer-focused risk model, Klickl addresses the unbanked challenge in crypto, empowering the next billion users to enter Web3. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, with a primary focus on the Middle East and Africa, Klickl bridges digital and traditional finance by building a global stablecoin ecosystem aligned with regulatory standards.

For more information, users can visit www.klickl.com

About IMKAN Properties:

IMKAN, the leading global real master developer based in Abu Dhabi has earned its reputation with a portfolio of 26 projects spanning five countries across two continents. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Capital Group, IMKAN prioritizes the creation of soulful places that enrich lives. This philosophy is driven by a unique research platform that empowers IMKAN to understand the needs and desires of its diverse customer base, ranging from millennials to discerning high-net-worth individuals.

Notable among its projects is IMKAN’s AlJurf masterplan, a 3.8 million sqm mixed-use development along a 1.6km coastline and 9km long canal front, all set within a preserved natural ecosystem between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. AlJurf is set to become a global health and wellness destination when the SHA Emirates Residences opens in 2026, with the third international SHA Wellness resort joining the flagship award-winning SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain. Other projects include Makers District on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, an 18.6-hectare waterfront mixed-use development featuring Pixel, a cluster of seven residential towers; Nudra in Saadiyat Island, an exclusive beachside community; and Sheikha Fatima Park, Abu Dhabi’s first urban park.

With offices in Egypt and Morocco, IMKAN’s global presence includes major projects like the 500-hectare Alburouj development in Egypt. In Morocco, key projects include Le Carrousel Residences and the country’s first open-air shopping mall.

For more information, users can call 800 IMKAN or visit www.imkan.ae

Musk It: The next big meme coin with an unmatched connection to the Musk legacy 1267

Following a recent article in Fortune Magazine, Musk It has sparked speculation as the next breakout memecoin, driven by its undeniable ties to the Musk family. While Elon Musk has yet to officially endorse a token, history suggests that when he does, the results can be explosive. Could Musk It be the one to carry that legacy forward?

The Musk factor: Exploring Musk it’s connection to Elon

Elon Musk has made it clear that he’s a fan of memecoins, single-handedly pushing Dogecoin to unprecedented heights. While he hasn’t officially commented on Musk It yet, his father Errol Musk has embraced the project, and that connection alone fuels speculation that Elon and Kimbal could be paying attention. After all, if there’s one thing the crypto world knows, it’s that Elon moves markets—and anything remotely tied to his name has explosive potential.

Dogecoin started as a joke, then skyrocketed to a $60 billion market cap. Shiba Inu (SHIB) followed suit, peaking at $40 billion. Floki, PEPE, and countless others have turned early adopters into millionaires. What do they all have in common? A strong community, a compelling story, and viral potential.

Musk It has all three—and then some.

A Coin with Family Ties

Musk It is being positioned as the Musk family coin, and while Errol Musk has publicly endorsed it, the bigger question remains: Could Kimbal or Elon step in?

In December 2024, Errol Musk met with Kimbal Musk in Dubai, a meeting that has left crypto enthusiasts speculating whether Kimbal might take an interest in Musk It. Given Kimbal’s entrepreneurial spirit and past involvement in innovative projects, his potential endorsement could be a game-changer. And if Elon ever tweets about Musk It? That could be the catalyst that propels it to Doge-level dominance.

Risk-adjusted gains: Evaluating Musk it’s growth potential

Musk It stands at a $10 million market cap compared to Dogecoin’s $60 billion. That’s a massive risk-adjusted ratio—a potential 6000x upside if Musk It follows a similar trajectory.

For those looking for the next viral, community-driven crypto project, Musk It presents a unique opportunity. With undeniable ties to the Musk family and speculation swirling around potential future endorsements, the project continues to attract attention.

About Musk It

Musk It is more than just a meme coin—it’s a movement. A mindset that embodies taking bold action, breaking barriers, and achieving greatness.

Inspired by the revolutionary spirit of innovation and efficiency, Musk It represents the drive to do things better, challenge the status quo, and redefine success. With over 40,000 holders already holding Musk It, its expanding community reflects its growing presence.

Unlike traditional meme coin, which is meant only to embody an idea, Musk It is backed by the Musk Family and will serve as the official coin of Errol’s Musk Institute.

Musk It: the coin for those who don’t let anything stand in their way. Musk Family Endorsed and Approved.

Official Links
Website: https://www.muskit.io/
Telegram: https://t.me/JustMusk_It
X: https://x.com/JustMuskIt
Dexscreener: https://dexscreener.com/solana/Hd8LeEdJsspSJAJm15nmpFjQdntn1ZpBFV35ppRDrevE

Elastos Secures $20M Investment from Rollman Capital to Unlock Trillions in Bitcoin Finance 1279

Funding accelerates the development of Elastos’ ELA token, Native Bitcoin DeFi protocol, and Web3 data economy – positioning Elastos as the utility layer for Bitcoin.

Elastos, a decentralized web infrastructure pioneer, today announced a $20 million strategic investment from Rollman Management to scale its Bitcoin-aligned ecosystem. Rollman Management, recognized for its high-profile investments in blockchain projects like Ripple, Ethereum, Solana, and Planck, now ranks Elastos among its top five holdings. The partnership will fuel the launch of Elastos’ Native Bitcoin DeFi protocol, BeL2, expand its merge-mined ELA token as a Bitcoin reserve asset, and accelerate Elacity—a Web3 data marketplace that enables creators to monetize content without intermediaries on top.

With Bitcoin’s market cap surpassing $2 trillion, Elastos solves critical gaps in Bitcoin’s ecosystem:

  1. ELA as Bitcoin’s Merge-Mined Reserve Asset: ELA tokens have been secured by Bitcoin’s hash power through merge-mining since 2018, aligning with Satoshi Nakamoto’s 2010 vision for decentralized networks. With a total of 28,220,000 by 2105 and around 50% of Bitcoin’s hashrate, ELA gains security and decentralization, provides additional revenue for BTC miners at no extra cost, and creates a crypto economically sound reserve asset for Elastos’ Bitcoin-native DeFi system.
  2. BeL2: Bitcoin’s DeFi Breakthrough: Launching in Q2 2024, BeL2 allows Bitcoin holders to collateralize BTC in personal wallets and access Ethereum smart contract services. These include minting stablecoins, performing swaps, and borrowing assets peer-to-peer, unlocking its value all whilst eliminating reliance on synthetic BTC (e.g., WBTC) and centralized custodians. BeL2 combines locking scripts, zero-knowledge proofs, oracles, and an arbiter network where ELA stakeholders can stake ELA and earn BTC fees as decentralized nodes to support the protocol.
  3. Elacity: Web3’s Creator Revolution: Already proven in early tests, where one creator earned $5,600 in 24 hours through tokenized podcast access, Elacity v2 will launch in April with channels and subscription models. It enables influencers to encrypt, tokenize, and sell content/royalties on Elastos for audio and video markets, with plans to extend its technology to support the tokenization of AI markets.

“Leveraging Bitcoin’s trillion-dollar consensus to empower Web3 users with scalable utilities—that’s where Elastos comes in,” said Rong Chen, Elastos Founder. “Merge-mining ties ELA’s security to Bitcoin’s, and BeL2, Elastos’ decentralized finance protocol, unlocks BTC-backed DeFi without compromises, whilst Elacity creates a decentralized digital goods economy on top. Rollman’s investment supports our role as Bitcoin’s utility layer”.

The $20M investment from Rollman will drive the advancement of Elastos technologies and also help Elastos reorient its branding, mature its technological stance, and go to market. This includes enhancing marketing efforts, which will further position Elastos as a leader in the growing Bitcoin-native DeFi space.

Elastos as a Pioneer in Bitcoin-secured Governance

Beyond its technological advancements, Elastos stands out for its Cyber Republic Consensus (CRC) governance model, formalized as a DAO LLC in the Marshall Islands, which signed this agreement with Rollman. This delegate-based system allows community members to stake Bitcoin merge-mined ELA, earn APY, and annually elect—or run as—one of 12 council members who vote on proposals, drive innovation, sign contracts, and validate Elastos’ Smart (EVM) and Identity (DID) sidechains. This ensures governance decisions reflect the community’s interests and demonstrates Elastos’ commitment to a truly decentralized and transparent ecosystem rooted in Bitcoin.

As Elastos enters its next phase of growth, participants can join the ecosystems CRC DAO by acquiring merge-mined ELA, which has a market cap of $48,542,586 and is secured by nearly 50% of Bitcoin’s hashrate (366.01 EH/s, equivalent to 244.008 Frontier Supercomputers). ELA offers 6+ years of proven security, a fixed cap of 28.22M tokens to be fully mined by 2105, and 3.29% emissions via its Essentials Wallet, ensuring scarcity and predictability for holders. Available on Centralized Exchanges (Coinbase, KuCoin, Gate.io, Huobi, Bitget, Crypto.com) and Decentralized Exchanges (Uniswap, Chainge Finance, Glide Finance), ELA empowers holders to shape Elastos’ future through CRC governance—driving innovation, reinforcing Bitcoin-level security, and building the next generation of decentralized applications.

About Elastos

Elastos is a SmartWeb ecosystem builder focused on enabling decentralized application creation and cross-chain connectivity. Built on top of Bitcoin merge-mining, Elastos relies on the security of the world’s largest public blockchain and extends it with additional layers. The introduction of BeL2 and its Arbiter Network marks Elastos’ latest effort to advance a more open, clear, and trustless global financial system.

Website: Elastos.info
X/Twitter: @ElastosInfo

About Rollman Management Digital

Rollman Management Digital is a private investment and management consulting boutique that is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. The firm seeks to invest in talented teams and their blockchain protocols to further develop their technology and business while adding significant value to the future of the modern economy.

RMD is led by Victor R. Ch. Rollman, the founder of Rollman Capital, Rollman Mining, and Rollman Management. The Group offers a wide range of investment opportunities, financial services, and management consultancy to UHNWIs, entrepreneurs, developing governments, commodity trading firms, banks, family offices, and pension funds.

Website: https://rollmanmanagement.com/

LayerAI Becomes the First Crypto Asset to Integrate DeepSeek on the Blockchain 1317

LayerAI, a leading innovator in AI and blockchain technologies, has announced the integration of DeepSeek’s advanced models, DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-Coder-V2, into its platform. This collaboration aims to elevate the capabilities of LayerAI’s offerings in AI-assisted coding, natural language processing, and interactive learning modules.

Key Integration Highlights:

  • Advanced Model Deployment: By incorporating DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-Coder-V2, LayerAI enhances its platform’s language understanding and coding capabilities. This integration supports applications such as code generation, debugging, and various natural language processing tasks.
  • Enhanced Coding Assistance: DeepSeek-Coder-V2’s support for 338 programming languages and a context length of 128K tokens enables LayerAI to provide users with sophisticated code generation and debugging tools, facilitating the development of complex code structures.
  • Efficient Performance: Leveraging DeepSeek’s Multi-head Latent Attention (MLA) and DeepSeekMoE architecture, LayerAI improves performance in processing extensive data sets and long-context scenarios, crucial for AI-assisted coding tasks.
  • Interactive Learning Modules: The integration of DeepSeek-V3 allows LayerAI to offer advanced interactive learning experiences, providing real-time feedback and explanations of complex coding concepts to users.
  • Community Collaboration Enhancements: With DeepSeek’s compatibility with platforms like GitHub, LayerAI fosters improved collaboration through seamless version control and AI-enhanced code review processes.
  • Customized Model Fine-Tuning: LayerAI fine-tunes DeepSeek models to cater to specific use cases within its platform, such as specialized coding environments or domain-specific language understanding.

This strategic integration underscores LayerAI’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge AI-driven tools for coding, learning, and collaboration. By harnessing DeepSeek’s state-of-the-art models, LayerAI continues to provide users with innovative solutions that drive productivity and efficiency.

About LayerAI

LayerAI is dedicated to advancing the AI economy through its comprehensive ecosystem, which includes a Layer-2 blockchain, LayerVPN, KyotoX, and the LayerAI data economy app. The company focuses on establishing data as an emerging asset class, contributing significantly to the global AI landscape.