Japan will likely eliminate the crypto tax on unrealized gains from cryptocurrency investments beginning in 2024.
At a cabinet meeting on December 22nd, the Japanese government reached a definitive decision regarding the crypto tax reform framework for the fiscal year 2024.
A substantial amendment to this reform affects corporations that possess crypto assets. The amendment eliminates the period-end mark-to-market valuation tax that was previously imposed on corporations owning crypto assets (virtual currencies) issued by third parties.
Consistent with the tax structure governing individual investors, corporations will presently be subject to taxation, exclusively on profits generated from the sale of virtual currencies and tokens. This amendment aims to mitigate the tax liability corporations incur when they possess and manage cryptocurrency assets.
Japan Eliminates Tax on Unrealized Cryptocurrency Gains
The scope of applicability for period-end mark-to-market as stipulated in the Corporation Tax Law is modified by the revision. In the past, corporations determined their fiscal year-end profits or losses based on the discrepancy between the book value and market value of crypto assets. This mark-to-market valuation is omitted by the new policy if it is presumed that the asset is held continuously.
A portion of the tax reform implemented in 2024 is in response to a request made by the Japan Crypto Asset Business Association (JCBA). The modification will facilitate the expansion of Web3, assist domestic businesses that employ blockchain technology, and entice international endeavors.
Mark-to-market taxation was waived exclusively for virtual currencies issued by corporations as part of the tax reform implemented last year. Increasing demands, nevertheless, for equivalent treatment of cryptocurrencies issued by other entities impacted the revision this year.
Will This Increase The Adoption of Cryptocurrencies in Japan?
In addition, the 2024 tax reform blueprint includes provisions for a 40,000-yen per capita reduction in income tax and resident tax beginning in June 2024, tax incentives for corporations, and the development of a novel tax framework tailored to strategic industries and innovation.
This is anticipated to cause a significant decrease in revenue for national and local governments, totaling 3,874.3 billion yen; this would rank as the third-largest decline since fiscal 1989. The said bill, requires approval from both the House of Representatives and the House of Councilors.
By implementing distinct taxation (20%) and loss carryover deductions, this tax reform satisfies the aspirations of cryptocurrency investors. Nevertheless, there are still unresolved matters concerning calculating profit and loss in transactions involving cryptocurrencies.
These matters consist of the lump-sum tax that must be paid when converting cryptocurrencies into legitimate currency and the contemplation of “carry-over” deductions for three years beginning the following year. It is anticipated that the development of the corporate tax system will incite vigorous debates regarding additional tax reforms in the crypto asset sector.
As a result of its longstanding inclination towards cryptocurrency, Japan continues to be the preferred location for crypto firms. The nation has promptly implemented vital reforms. Japan introduced regulations earlier this year permitting venture capital firms to invest directly in cryptocurrencies.
