The cryptocurrency sector is optimistic that India, in light of its recent G20 presidency, may conceivably enact substantial policy reforms.
As India approaches the Union Budget 2024, the cryptocurrency community anticipates possible policy modifications that may facilitate the sector’s growth. The budget for this year has acquired greater importance in consideration of India’s recent G20 presidency, during which the cryptocurrency industry became a significant subject.
Executives from the industry propose modifications that would provide virtual digital assets (VDAs) with more favorable tax treatment to promote the sector’s growth and adherence to international standards.
Rahul Pagidipati, CEO of ZebPay and an optimist regarding the cryptocurrency industry, emphasized the importance of a regulatory framework that is favorable to the cryptocurrency market.
“In light of the progress made during discussions at the G20 summit, we believe it is essential to establish a regulatory framework,” stated Pagidipati. These advancements, particularly reducing TDS and capital gains taxes, would promote greater inclusivity in the cryptocurrency market.
A conducive regulatory environment is vital for fostering innovation and facilitating the incorporation of blockchain technology into established enterprises. He claims that doing so will generate innovative solutions and guarantee the crypto industry’s sustainable expansion.
The executive stated, “We remain hopeful for a budget that recognizes the dynamic nature of the industry and provides the necessary impetus for its continued positive trajectory in the coming year.”
Increasing Revenue Through Tax
Ashish Singhal, co-founder and chief executive officer of the cryptocurrency exchange CoinSwitch, elaborates on the Budget 2022’s introduction of tax provisions for VDA. Although incorporating VDAs into the Income Tax Act was a positive development, the author highlights that specific provisions have produced unintended repercussions.
According to the chief of exchanges, Indian VDA users have turned to non-compliant foreign exchanges due to high TDS rates and the inability to mitigate losses. Additionally, it resulted in decreased tax revenues for the exchequer, which he says puts their investments and potential legal issues at risk.
A FIU-registered platform that complies with India’s KYC and PMLA regulations, CoinSwitch urged the government to contemplate reducing the TDS on VDAs from 1% to 0.01%.
Furthermore, the exchange advocated for the allowance of VDA sale losses to be offset and carried forward and for the treatment of VDA income to be consistent with that of other capital assets.
Singhal stated, “The Government of India has shown commendable leadership at the G20 to arrive at a roadmap for a global crypto framework and has implemented domestic regulatory frameworks such as anti-money laundering that are in line with global standards.”
Moreover, reevaluating its tax treatment will mitigate tax arbitrage and the outflow of investments, capital, consumers, and talent.