Manager - Direct Tax
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have become increasingly popular as both investments and means of transaction. However, their tax treatment can be complex. Understanding how cryptocurrencies are taxed is crucial to staying compliant and avoiding potential penalties. Here’s a comprehensive guide to how Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies will be taxed in 2025.
In this month’s Taxation Times, here’s what we have:
We hope that you find this month’s edition of the Taxation Times useful. If you have any feedback or would like us to include any additional information to make this issue more informative, please feel free to write to us at info@uja.in.
Happy reading!
Best regards,
UJA Tax Team
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have become increasingly popular as both investments and means of transaction. However, their tax treatment can be complex. Understanding how cryptocurrencies are taxed is crucial to staying compliant and avoiding potential penalties. Here’s a comprehensive guide to how Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are taxed in 2025.
In India, the taxation of Bitcoin and other virtual digital assets (VDAs) is primarily governed under Section 115BBH of the Income Tax Act, 1961, which was introduced in the Finance Act 2022. This section and its provisions outline the tax treatment of income arising from the transfer of virtual digital assets, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
For tax purposes, the IRS classifies Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as property, not currency. This means that general tax principles applicable to property transactions also apply to cryptocurrencies.
The following activities typically trigger taxable events:
Key Provisions:
Key Provisions:
Key Provisions:
The taxation of Bitcoin and virtual digital assets in India is governed primarily by Section 115BBH of the Income Tax Act, which imposes a 30% tax on income arising from their transfer. While this rate simplifies the taxation process, it is important to note that there are no deductions allowed, and losses cannot be set off against other income. Taxpayers must also comply with the TDS provisions under Section 194S when making payments for VDAs. Additionally, income from mining or staking VDAs is treated as business income and taxed accordingly.
Given the evolving nature of cryptocurrency regulations, it is advisable to stay updated with the latest changes and consult a tax professional for proper compliance.
Cryptocurrency taxation can be complex, but with careful planning and accurate reporting, you can remain compliant and minimize your tax liability. Keep detailed records of all transactions and consult a tax professional for guidance tailored to your situation. Staying informed about the latest regulations will help ensure you avoid surprises come tax season.
Facts:
Held:
Facts:
HELD:
CIRCULAR NO. 17/2024 [F. NO. 173/32/2022-ITA-I]
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the Income Tax Department’s Permanent Account Number (PAN) 2.0 Project. This project aims to streamline and modernize the process of issuing and managing PAN and TAN, making it more user-friendly and efficient. With an existing PAN database of 78 crore PANs and 73.28 lakh TANs, the project addresses the requirements of taxpayers, focusing on the consolidation of multiple platforms/portals and efficient services for PAN/TAN holders. Currently, PAN-related services are spread across three different platforms: the e-Filing Portal, UTIITSL Portal, and Protean e-Gov Portal. With the implementation of PAN 2.0, all these services will be integrated into a single, unified portal. This one-stop platform will comprehensively handle issues/matters related to PAN and TAN, including application, updates, corrections, Aadhaar-PAN linking, re-issuance requests, and online PAN validation. By doing so, the Income Tax Department aims to simplify processes, eliminate delays, and improve grievance redressal mechanisms. The PAN 2.0 Project is also a significant step toward aligning with the Digital India initiative. It focuses on eco-friendly, paperless processes while establishing PAN as a common identifier for all digital systems of specified Government agencies.
This upgrade is designed to enhance the overall experience for taxpayers by ensuring faster service delivery, effective grievance redressal, and better protection of sensitive data. The project will also make it easier for users to apply for PAN/TAN online, update their details, and validate PAN information digitally. By consolidating and re-engineering these processes, the Income Tax Department has taken a significant step toward creating a seamless, transparent, and inclusive system for taxpayers.
PRESS RELEASE, DATED 26 NOV 2024
In exercise of the powers conferred under sub-rule (1) and sub-rule (2) of Rule 131 of the Income-tax Rules, 1962 (‘the Rules’), the Director General of Income Tax (Systems), with the approval of the Board, hereby specifies the following forms that shall be furnished electronically and verified in the manner prescribed under sub-rule (1) of Rule 131:
Form | Description |
Form 42 | Appeal against refusal to recognize or withdrawal of recognition from a provident fund |
Form 43 | Appeal against refusal to approve or withdrawal of approval from a superannuation fund |
Form 44 | Appeal against refusal to approve or withdrawal of approval from a gratuity fund |
This Notification shall come into effect from 22-11-2024.
NOTIFICATION NO. 6/2024 [F. NO. 30/DGIT(S)BLR / E-FILING NOTIFICATIONS / FORMS
/2024], DATED 19-11-2024
Due date for the deposit of Tax deducted/collected for the month of November 2024. However, all sums deducted/collected by an office of the government shall be paid to the credit of the Central Government on the same day when the tax is paid without the production of an Income-tax Challan.
Last date for furnishing the Challan-cum-Statement in respect of TDS under Sections 194-IA, 194-IB, 194S, and 194M for the month of September 2024.
Belated/Revised Income Tax Returns: Last date to file belated or revised returns for the Financial Year 2023-24 (Assessment Year 2024-25).
Form 3CEAD (for entities under CbC Reporting):
Filing of Country-by-Country Reporting by parent entities or their alternate reporting entities.
Global Tax Convention Progress
The United Nations has made progress towards adopting a global tax convention aimed at combating tax evasion and promoting fairer taxation of multinational corporations. This initiative seeks to create a more equitable framework for tax cooperation, especially benefiting developing countries.
Global Minimum Tax Implementation
Several countries are accelerating the adoption of a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15%, as part of the OECD’s efforts to curb profit shifting to low-tax jurisdictions.