Russia is advancing efforts to regulate its burgeoning cryptocurrency industry with a proposal to levy a 15% tax on crypto earnings, categorizing crypto as property, allowing mining expense deductions, and enhancing regulatory oversight to boost transparency and tax revenue.
Crypto Classified as Property for Tax Purposes
The draft amendment, introduced by the Ministry of Finance, outlines a structured approach to taxing cryptocurrency miners and transactions while aiming to strike a balance between state and business interests. Under the proposed framework, cryptocurrencies will be categorized as property for tax purposes. The plan eliminates value-added tax (VAT) on crypto transactions and instead applies income tax, treating earnings similarly to securities transactions. Income derived from crypto mining will be taxed based on the market value at the time of receipt.
Mining Expenses and Reporting Obligations
Furthermore, the draft bill allows miners to offset their taxable income by deducting operational expenses incurred during mining activities. Additionally, operators of mining infrastructure will be required to notify tax authorities about individuals using their facilities. Specific details on the nature of the data to be disclosed remain undefined.
The Finance Ministry emphasized the rationale behind taxing crypto mining, stating:
“As a result of discussions with businesses, a decision was made on the advisability of taxing the financial result from mining as the fairest reflection of the results of this activity. This approach is aimed at observing a balance between the interests of businesses and the state.”
Two-Stage Tax System Under Review
A month before, Russia’s Federal Tax Service (FNS) proposed taxing miners’ unrealized gains, marking a shift in taxation strategy. The proposed two-stage tax system would further impact crypto-mining operations. Notably, home-based miners will remain exempt from registration requirements as long as their energy consumption stays within prescribed limits. However, industrial miners will need to register with the FNS following a recent law signed by President Vladimir Putin on October 28, 2024.
Economic Implications
Russian industry experts project that industrial-scale crypto mining could generate approximately $700 million in tax revenue annually under the new framework. The government views this move as a means to enhance transparency, tighten control over the mining sector, and bolster its position as a global leader in cryptocurrency mining.
With this proposed 15% tax, Russia aims to formalize its crypto sector while ensuring sustainable revenue generation and regulatory oversight. The bill’s potential impact on the country’s miners and the broader crypto market will be closely watched.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
