Why a wallet trail is different
A centralized exchange can provide account-level trades and statements. A self-custody wallet may expose public transactions without explaining why each transaction occurred, who controlled the other address or how an imported token should be classified. You must add context.
Build a wallet inventory first
- Every wallet address you controlled during the relevant period
- Networks used, including layer-2 networks
- Centralized exchanges connected to each wallet
- Hardware wallets or other interfaces used with the same addresses
- DeFi protocols, bridges and smart contracts involved
Transaction reconstruction table
| Event | Evidence | Context to add |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange withdrawal | Exchange record and on-chain hash | Which controlled wallet received it? |
| Wallet-to-wallet move | Matching send and receipt | Did you control both addresses? |
| Swap | Token out, token in, gas and protocol | What transaction type does current guidance require? |
| Bridge | Source burn/lock and destination receipt | Is the same economic asset continuing? |
| Exchange deposit | Wallet send and exchange receipt | Does it connect to a later disposal? |
Five-step reconstruction
- Locate the first acquisition of the asset or predecessor asset.
- Record date, quantity, price, fees and source.
- Trace each transfer with the public transaction hash.
- Document swaps, bridges, liquidity activity and gas separately.
- Connect the asset trail to the final broker deposit and reported disposal.
Common causes of software differences
- A wallet or network was not imported.
- A bridge created an unmatched send and receipt.
- A spam token or failed transaction was interpreted as activity.
- A transfer between controlled wallets was treated as a disposal.
- A swap or liquidity event lacks the required context.
- Historical token migrations or wrapped assets break continuity.
When software may be appropriate
Manual review may be practical for a few transfers. Reconciliation software may be appropriate for many addresses, chains, swaps, bridges or smart contracts. Software still requires review of unmatched transfers and transaction classifications.
Koinly is an affiliate option for complex wallet histories. We may earn a commission; it does not replace qualified advice.
Start with a complete inventory
The free checklist includes wallet addresses, transaction hashes, exchange exports and missing-basis warnings.
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See MetaMask Support for current wallet and activity instructions and the IRS digital-assets guidance for federal information. This independent guide is not affiliated with MetaMask and is not tax advice.