Clinton Donnelly, LLM, EA, FounderAddressing this industry vacuum is CryptoTaxAudit, a boutique advisory firm built to guide crypto pioneers through the tax maze.
Founded by Clinton Donnelly, a legal and tax expert with credentials in crypto financial crime, he began with expat tax cases. Long before crypto made headlines, Donnelly saw where the future was headed and launched CryptoTaxAudit. Now, it operates as a specialized stronghold for crypto taxpayers, blending traditional tax rigor with deep blockchain fluency through its elite team of CPAs, EAs, forensic experts, and asset analysts.
It combines legal expertise with modern technology to provide everything from forensic gain calculations to IRS defense, setting a new standard for crypto tax compliance.
From Legal Lab to Crypto Tax Solutions
When most tax firms ignored cryptocurrencies, Donnelly saw an opportunity to provide clarity in crypto compliance.
“We dedicated our firm to crypto in 2020 because the demand was overwhelming and the industry was underserved,” says Donnelly. “People needed answers, not guesswork. They needed legal precision and reliable systems.”
His legal expertise, rooted in an LLM in international financial law, enabled him to develop tax reporting methods grounded in law rather than speculation. The firm’s early involvement in client audits quickly proved its value—a $1.5 million IRS claim was dismissed in tax court, and several other cases were resolved with minimal impact.
“We regularly work with clients who have over 75 wallets and millions of transactions. There’s really no one else who can handle that level of complexity. We don’t shy away from hard cases, instead we welcome them,” says Ben Weber, director of crypto analysis.
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We dedicated our firm to crypto in 2020 because the demand was overwhelming and the industry was underserved. People needed answers, not guesswork. They needed legal precision and reliable systems
CryptoTaxAudit handles this monumental task through proprietary crypto calculation services that reconcile unclassified transactions, missing cost basis data, lost coins and foreign asset disclosures. Form 8949 emerges audit-ready, and the team reviews discrepancies that software may miss. The Gain Calculation service also helps with efficiency during the tax season.
The firm doesn't stop at numbers. Their "Bulletproof Return" methodology, prepared by the director of tax, Sarah DePino, ensures every checkbox and disclosure is clear legally.
“There are key elements on a return that, if left out, give the IRS an opening to dig deeper,” says DePino. “We include every required disclosure and even anticipate the questions they might ask.”
The approach includes form consistency, foreign reporting and even strategic narrative footnotes, leaving no room for IRS interpretation. This level of detail reflects a deep understanding of IRS scrutiny and a belief that compliance shouldn't be reactive. The firm files returns that are prepared to pass inspection and explain themselves before questions are asked.
Proactive Protection for the Crypto Community
CryptoTaxAudit distinguishes itself by supporting clients well beyond just filing returns. As a full-spectrum service provider, it handles everything from initial consultations and gain calculations to tax preparation, IRS representation, and ongoing account monitoring— all in one place. Its Tax Shield system keeps track of IRS activity, from audit flags to notices, and delivers monthly status updates to clients.
“It’s like credit monitoring, but for your IRS account,” says Kent Bowen, director of client solutions. “We can often detect audit flags two to six months before a notice arrives.”
This proactive approach helps clients feel empowered, not anxious. After onboarding, they receive an initial risk review. The team evaluates past filings, checks for underreported income and assesses open IRS flags. It’s a tool to catch vulnerabilities before the situation is exacerbated.
For those seeking a more complete protection, the Guard Dog membership provides proactive monitoring and audit defenses. Through this, CryptoTaxAudit acts on clients’ behalf to submit IRS Form 2848. If an audit arises, the firm also defends at no additional cost—a coverage model akin to car insurance for tax returns.
Scalable Client-Centric Service
The blend of human touch with tech cements client loyalty. From the first conversation, each client meets one-on-one with the team to determine their situation and build a bespoke support plan. This is a departure from the more common one-size-fits-all solution and is built around the clients’ situation, whether they’re an investor, miner, trader or entrepreneur.
Moreover, clients benefit from a central point of contact and seamless workflows—from gain calculations to filing to IRS defense—all orchestrated under one roof. No tracking multiple vendors, no piecemeal solutions, but an integrated and personalized solution. This, combined with the firm’s flexibility in addressing each client’s needs, allows it to handle complex cases and deliver positive results.
In a similar client-centric spirit, the firm arms DIY clients with a tax preparation course, tools, guidance, and a professional review option.
CryptoTaxAudit isn’t standing still—it’s aiming for tenfold growth, focusing on gain calculations and tax filing while maintaining quality. As evident, crypto has gone beyond a trend and has steadily grown, along with the regulatory burden. The firm is scaling up to meet these needs in the long run.
Its strategic investments in Tax Shield technology underscore this ambition. By automating IRS monitoring and expanding audit protection, the firm intends to support greater client volume without sacrificing legal precision or responsiveness. The goal is to ensure that growth goes hand-in-hand with strong client retention.
Why CryptoTaxAudit Matters Today
With IRS enforcement ramping up, 1099-DA forms set to roll out in 2026, and new cost-basis regulations impacting crypto exchanges, crypto investors can no longer rely on generic tax returns. CryptoTaxAudit combines legal authority, technological sophistication, and personalized service to form a shield—validated through courtroom victories, expert filing processes, and proactive defense programs.
As crypto assets become more entrenched in both personal portfolios and corporate balance sheets, tax compliance will only become more crucial and more complex. CryptoTaxAudit is positioning itself as a long-term service provider and partner for anyone navigating this new financial frontier.
For traders, investors, and high-net-worth individuals dealing with crypto’s growing complexities, the firm offers more than compliance. It offers confidence and strategic insight, built on experience and fortified by foresight.
