Global Shift in Crypto Taxation: Governments Eye Digital Assets for Revenue
According to Cointelegraph, governments worldwide are increasingly targeting cryptocurrency as a source of tax revenue, with Brazil's recent policy changes serving as a notable example. In June, Brazil eliminated its tax exemption for minor crypto gains and imposed a flat 17.5% tax on all capital gains from digital assets. This move is part of a broader strategy by the Brazilian government to enhance revenue through increased taxation of financial markets.
This trend is not isolated to Brazil. In 2023, Portugal introduced a 28% tax on crypto gains held for less than a year, marking a significant shift for a country that previously treated crypto as tax-free. The global landscape is changing, and the question remains how long countries with crypto-friendly tax policies can maintain their stance before adopting similar measures. Germany, for instance, currently exempts crypto gains from capital gains tax if the assets are held for more than a year, with gains up to 600 euros annually remaining tax-free for shorter holdings. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has reduced its capital gains tax-free allowance on all assets, including crypto, from 6,000 pounds to 3,000 pounds, indicating potential further reductions.
The era of regulatory leniency for retail crypto investors is drawing to a close. As the crypto market matures and prices continue to rise, governments are increasingly aware of the potential tax revenue from this asset class. This is particularly evident in emerging markets, where governments face pressure to address budget deficits without resorting to more visible or controversial tax hikes. Bitcoin, with its average annualized return of 61.2% over the past five years, exemplifies the lucrative nature of crypto investments.
Cryptocurrency presents an accessible tax target for governments, often perceived as risky and speculative, primarily benefiting the wealthy. While taxing crypto may not be controversial with the public, it poses challenges for everyday investors and startups. Brazil's 17.5% tax structure, for example, disproportionately affects small traders. Large institutions can absorb these costs or relocate to jurisdictions with more favorable rules, but everyday users, particularly those in inflation-prone economies, bear the brunt.
As more governments consider following Brazil and Portugal's lead, the era of low-tax or tax-free crypto investing may be ending. The critical question is not whether other crypto-friendly nations will tighten their grip on crypto taxation, but how quickly and severely they will do so.
