Display of cryptocurrency in accounting

Abstract

The purpose of the research to determine the main features of the use of cryptocurrency and its identification as an object in the account. A comparative description of cryptocurrencies, electronic money and paper money is given. It has been established that there are no grounds to classify various types of cryptocurrencies in the accounting system as ordinary currencies or assets in a given period of time because they: are not regulated by any jurisdictions; it is not possible to identify the issuer or the specific organization responsible for its issuance; cryptocurrency exists only in the virtual Internet environment. Methods. General scientific methods and approaches, systematic approach, general research methods (analysis, synthesis, generalization, comparison), statistical methods. Results. The list of stages for reflection of activity of the business entity with use of cryptocurrency is offered and considered. The mining process is analysed and the list of cost items for the extraction of new digital coins is highlighted. The variant on reflection in the account of operations with cryptocurrency on accounts of accounting is offered. There are options for reflection in the accounting of cryptocurrency depending on its recognition: virtual goods, intangible assets, financial investments, digital money. To calculate the cost of cryptocurrency obtained by self-extraction, it is necessary to consider the main costs that need to be identified and reflected in the account. In addition to cryptocurrency, you can extract altcoins, lightcoins or convert cryptocurrencies into stablecoins, which cannot be extracted, but can only be purchased. The article presents the main aspects of calculating the cost, which include: the cost of electricity for individuals and legal entities in the country; the cost of the necessary equipment, its depreciation and maintenance, depreciation; residual value at which you can sell old mining equipment; hash – the speed of solving mathematical problems with one or another equipment; network load and production complexity; monetary value or exchange rate of a particular cryptocurrency or digital assets. Practical meaning. Despite all the scientific developments, the issue of accounting for cryptocurrency from the point of view of IFRS is quite debatable. On the one hand, most propose to account for it as a specific intangible asset. Virtual currency is a huge amount of computing power and digital assets. At this stage of technological development of mankind, cryptocurrency is gaining a stable position in the international market. Prospects for further research. Rapid development is causing further capacity growth and interest, but may eventually lead to collapse. However, if the price stability of the cryptocurrency is achieved, it can be used in international transactions, not just for speculative gain. However, this issue will be directly related to the legalization of the new currency and its recognition by central banks as a means of exchange or storage of money. There is a need for further research to understand the basic conditions for the use of digital currency in the payments market.