If you are prepared to invest in cryptocurrencies in India, you may already be aware that the Indian taxation policies for cryptocurrencies are still a grey area. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are not yet accepted as legal tender by the Reserve Bank of India.
During the Budget 2023 announcement, the Indian cryptocurrency market anticipated a reduction in the so-called 30% tax rate that had been in existence since last year. But the market received no such reduction in the tax rate.
As the regulatory landscape changes, the tax treatment of cryptocurrencies may also alter. MPVD & Associates GST consultant in Kolkata discusses the common norms of the tax ramifications of cryptocurrency trading in India and what the role of a GST consultant is in this area.
Tax Liability on Cryptocurrency Trading in India
Your investment profile has a key role to play in directing the tax liabilities for crypto trading in India. It is different for individuals and different for corporate organisations.
Since bitcoin trading is regarded as a personal investment, the GST does not apply to individual traders’ cryptocurrency trading activities. However, you will be required to pay GST on your trading activity if you are operating as a commercial organisation.
As cryptocurrencies do not fall into a certain category, they are difficult to categorise for GST purposes. Nonetheless, the CBIC has still drawn a clarification where cryptocurrencies fall into one of the following categories:
The transaction fee or commission levied by the cryptocurrency exchange is subject to GST at a rate of 18%.
Cryptocurrencies will be regarded as the delivery of services and subject to GST at the appropriate rate if they are used to pay for goods or services.
When cryptocurrencies are traded for fiat money, the transaction is regarded as a supply of goods and is subject to GST at the appropriate rate.
When used for trading or mining, cryptocurrencies are regarded as business income and are subject to GST at the rate that is appropriate for the specific type of goods or services.
The RBI has requested that its own regulated organisations, notably banks and financial institutions, cease offering services to people or businesses that deal in cryptocurrencies for fiat INR on and off ramps. This forbids banks from being used to buy or sell cryptocurrencies for Indian rupees.
Importance of GST Consultancy for Crypto Trading and Investments in India
The way that cryptocurrencies are taxed may vary as the regulatory environment changes. For more information on the tax ramifications of cryptocurrency trading in India, it is essential to speak with a tax specialist.
By providing instruction on compliance, best practices, and comprehensive tax planning, MPVD & Associates CA Firm in Kolkata has been acting as a physical link between cryptocurrency traders and the Indian tax system.
The importance of GST consulting for cryptocurrency trading goes beyond maximising tax-planning approaches to include making the most of all tax breaks that can increase your profits. Risk reduction is a significant component of that. By collaborating with a GST expert, you may spot potential risks and put precautionary steps in place to reduce them. This can involve determining how GST might affect your cryptocurrency trading operation and taking action to reduce any negative repercussions.