U.S. Digital-Asset Tax CPA or Attorney - Focused Lido Staking Review and Form 8275

An actively licensed U.S. CPA or attorney with digital-asset tax experience, particularly liquid staking and DeFi, is needed for a focused review of a completed 2025 transaction. Background An S corporation deposited ETH directly into Lido, received stETH, requested withdrawal the following day, and subsequently redeemed through Lido’s withdrawal process for essentially the same quantity of ETH. No staking rewards were received. The existing return preparer requires a specialist’s written assessment before accepting nonrealization treatment. Scope and deliverables 1. Assess whether each step—the ETH deposit and receipt of stETH, withdrawal request and receipt of the withdrawal NFT, and final ETH redemption—required recognition of gain. 2. If no gain should be reported, assess whether the position meets the substantial-authority or reasonable-basis standard and explain the applicable disclosure requirements. 3. Provide a signed letter on professional letterhead identifying the author’s credentials, summarizing the facts and authorities relied upon, stating the conclusions, and expressly permitting the return preparer to rely on it in preparing the returns. 4. Prepare a draft Form 8275 consistent with those conclusions, for coordination with the return preparer. The return preparer has indicated that a concise signed letter is sufficient; a lengthy formal opinion is not requested. Applicants should identify any requirements their practice has for providing this advice. Materials available A detailed research memo and supporting transaction records have already been assembled. The research includes Fenwick’s published liquid-staking analysis and the Proof of Stake Alliance analysis developed with Lido’s participation. These materials are provided to support an independent assessment—not to obtain endorsement of a predetermined conclusion. Timing and working arrangement Delivery must allow sufficient time for the return preparer to finalize the returns before October 15, 2026. A fixed-fee engagement is preferred, with document review and written communication supplemented by a brief call if useful. Proposals should include: - Licensing jurisdiction and relevant staking/DeFi tax experience. - Confirmation that the signed conclusion and reliance language described above can be provided. - Proposed total fixed fee, including the draft Form 8275, and any exclusions. - Availability and earliest realistic delivery date. This is a focused tax-advisory assignment, not bookkeeping, transaction reconstruction, or preparation of the full tax returns. Sensitive records and transaction details will be shared privately with shortlisted professionals.