Virtual currencies represent an innovation in financial services, products and technology that has the potential to support a more efficient and transparent global commerce by proposing lower transaction costs and rapid availability of cash. In spite of the aforementioned benefits, before engaging in virtual currency transactions, investors should have a clear understanding of what they are, how they can be utilized and what are some of the tax ramifications to U.S. taxpayers. This article addresses a few of the basic concepts of virtual currencies, such as blockchain and mining, as well as how the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) treats the most common virtual currency transactions.