Receiving in USDT: when it makes sense, real costs, and how to report it

Samuel Freitas · 2026-10-07

Payments

Stablecoin for partner payouts

Using USDT as a payment method for partners can be advantageous, especially for international transactions. Since it’s a stablecoin pegged to the dollar, it eliminates the price swings common with cryptocurrencies. This provides greater predictability and reliability in transactions. Choosing USDT makes it possible to send payouts quickly and with fees that are generally lower than traditional methods, such as international bank transfers.

Conversion and network costs (trc20 vs erc20)

It’s essential to pay attention to conversion fees and the networks used. The TRC20 (Tron) network usually has much lower transaction costs, around US$ 0.01 to US$ 0.10 per transaction, while ERC20 (Ethereum) can range from US$ 1 to US$ 10 or more, depending on network congestion. So, for frequent, lower-value transfers, TRC20 is usually the best choice.

Zero volatility, exchange risk

Although USDT has zero volatility relative to the dollar, exchange risk is a concern. When you hold USDT on exchanges, the security of your funds could be compromised. Ideally, transfer it to a private wallet as soon as possible. This reduces the risk of loss in the event of exchange bankruptcies or cyberattacks.

Accounting and taxes

It’s crucial to keep a detailed record of all USDT transactions. Tax authorities in Brazil require you to report any capital gains, even when they’re in stablecoins. When you sell or convert USDT, if there’s a gain compared to the original value, it must be reported on your income tax return. The recommendation is to use a spreadsheet to track each transaction, recording the amount in reais on the date of the transaction.

What not to do

Avoid holding large amounts of USDT on exchanges. Don’t ignore network fees when making transfers, as they can affect your final costs. Also, don’t fail to properly report your transactions, as Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service is paying increasingly close attention to crypto asset transactions. Finally, don’t swap USDT for other cryptocurrencies without carefully analyzing the fees and tax impact.

How have you been managing your USDT transactions? What costs have you run into?