India’s Budget 2024 Likely to Maintain 1% Crypto TDS Despite Industry Pleas

by

As a long-term crypto investor based in India, I have witnessed the ups and downs of the industry within our borders. The ongoing controversy surrounding the 1% tax-deducted-at-source (TDS) on crypto transactions has been a significant challenge for me and countless others in the community. The recent surge in Bitcoin price and growing calls for reform have given us some hope, but I remain skeptical of any immediate relief.

The Indian cryptocurrency sector is unlikely to experience any easing of the contentious tax regulations in the forthcoming budget, despite the recent spike in Bitcoin‘s value and escalating demands for change. Industry professionals anticipate that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will persist with the 1% tax-deducted-at-source (TDS) on crypto transactions when she unveils the budget on Tuesday. This policy, which has been in effect for two years, has posed significant hurdles for the industry.

BWA Advocates for Crypto Reforms

As a seasoned political analyst with extensive experience covering India’s political landscape, I can tell you that this year’s budget holds a unique importance to me for several reasons. Having closely followed the Indian political scene for decades, I have witnessed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi secure a historic third term through a coalition government.

The 1% Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) policy has been a contentious issue for the Bharat Web3 Association (BWA), the primary representative body of the industry. The BWA persistently advocates for the government to reduce the tax rate to 0.01%, maintaining that the present levy puts India at a disadvantage.

Investors are shifting their financial dealings away from domestic exchanges toward overseas platforms and decentralized exchanges (DEXs), resulting in capital outflow. This move is driven by the desire to evade high taxes, which in turn reduces potential tax revenues for the government.

Despite the uncertainty of reducing TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) on crypto gains in the near term, the Blockchain and Web3 Association (BWA) remains optimistic about making headway in other areas. The BWA supports implementing a tiered tax structure as an alternative to the current flat 30% tax on cryptocurrency profits. Furthermore, they advocate for enabling investors to offset their losses against gains, similar to what is commonly practiced with other types of assets.

In the developing digital asset sector in India, the Bharat Web3 Association (BWA) and its associated members advocate for collaborative regulation from multiple agencies. The intricate characteristics of crypto assets necessitate a more intricate regulatory response than what can be provided by a sole regulatory body.

— Bharat Web3 Association (@BWA_Ind) July 4, 2024

In India, the absence of extensive regulations for cryptocurrencies is a significant issue within the industry. High-ranking Finance Ministry personnel have indicated that legislation is imminent, yet specifics are still unknown. The Blockchain and Wall Street Association (BWA) strongly advocates for definite regulatory frameworks to encourage a thriving crypto economy in India.

Government Focus Shifts to Crypto Regulation

There’s a ray of optimism arising from the BWA being granted access to pre-budget discussions with the ministry this year, contrasting past experiences. Nevertheless, the substantial $230 million heist at WazirX, a significant Indian cryptocurrency platform, could potentially shift crypto lower on the government’s agenda.

According to Rajat Mittal, a legal advisor to the Indian Supreme Court on crypto taxes, the administration appears more intent on imposing rigorous regulations at present. Although reducing the high tax deducted at source (TDS) might discourage investors, a decrease in rates seems unlikely for the time being.

The forthcoming budget statement may fall short of the significant advance the cryptocurrency sector hopes for, yet the fact that the Budget Working Agreement (BWA) is part of the pre-budget consultations implies a possible move toward more open communication.

Read More

2024-07-22 16:54