Crypto Taxation and Tax filing
Cryptocurrency has become increasingly popular in India in recent years, with millions of people investing in digital assets. As the popularity of cryptocurrency has grown, so has the need for clarity on how it is taxed.
In 2022, the Indian government introduced a new tax regime for cryptocurrency, which includes a 30% tax on profits from trading and a 1% tax deducted at source (TDS) on all crypto transactions. This new tax regime has been met with mixed reactions, with some people arguing that it is too high and will discourage investment in cryptocurrency, while others believe that it is necessary to regulate the industry and bring it into the mainstream.
How is cryptocurrency taxed in India?
Cryptocurrency is taxed in India as a virtual digital asset (VDA). VDA is defined as a digital asset that is not legal tender and is not issued by any central bank or government. It includes cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other digital assets.
The profits earned from trading VDA are taxed at a rate of 30%. This tax is levied on the difference between the cost of acquisition and the sale price of the VDA. For example, if you buy 1 Bitcoin for ₹100,000 and sell it for ₹200,000, you will be taxed ₹100,000 on the profit.
A 1% TDS is also levied on all crypto transactions. This means that if you buy or sell ₹10,000 worth of cryptocurrency, ₹100 will be deducted at source and paid to the government.
Who is liable to pay crypto tax in India?
Any person who transfers a VDA is liable to pay tax on the profits earned from the transfer. This includes individuals, companies, and trusts.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, profits earned from mining or staking VDA are not taxed. Additionally, profits earned from the transfer of VDA as part of a business are taxed as business income, not as VDA income.
How to calculate crypto tax in India
To calculate crypto tax in India, you will need to know the following:
- The cost of acquisition of the VDA
- The sale price of the VDA
- Once you have this information, you can calculate your profit by subtracting the cost of acquisition from the sale price. Then, you can multiply your profit by 0.3 to calculate your tax liability.
How to pay crypto tax in India
- Through self-assessment
If you choose to self-assess your crypto tax, you will need to file an income tax return and declare your crypto profits. You can find more information on how to file an income tax return on the website of the Income Tax Department of India.
The tax can be paid in the Income-tax website
Conclusion
Crypto taxation in India is a complex topic, and there is still a lot of uncertainty about how it will be implemented in the future. However, by understanding the basics of crypto taxation, you can ensure that you are compliant with the law and avoid any penalties. Take a professional help for filing Crypto tax returns to avoid issues in future.
FAQs about crypto taxation in India
What is a virtual digital asset (VDA)?
A VDA is a digital asset that is not legal tender and is not issued by any central bank or government. It includes cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other digital assets.
What is the tax rate on profits from trading VDA?
The tax rate on profits from trading VDA is 30%. This tax is levied on the difference between the cost of acquisition and the sale price of the VDA.
What is the TDS rate on crypto transactions?
The TDS rate on crypto transactions is 1%. This means that if you buy or sell ₹10,000 worth of cryptocurrency, ₹100 will be deducted at source and paid to the government.
Who is liable to pay crypto tax in India?
Any person who transfers a VDA is liable to pay tax on the profits earned from the transfer. This includes individuals, companies, and trusts.
What are the exceptions to the crypto tax rule?
There are a few exceptions to the crypto tax rule. For example, profits earned from mining or staking VDA are not taxed. Additionally, profits earned from the transfer of VDA as part of a business are taxed as business income, not as VDA income.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with crypto tax laws?
The penalties for non-compliance with crypto tax laws can be severe. For example, if you fail to file your income tax return or declare your crypto profits, you could be subject to a fine of up to ₹20,000 or imprisonment for up to 3 years.