ITR column for Cryptocurrency Income All you need to know

Income tax return (ITR) forms from next year will feature a separate column for making disclosures on gains made from cryptocurrencies and paying taxes.

From April 1, the government will charge a 30 per cent tax plus cess and surcharges, on such transactions in the same manner as it treats winnings from horse races or other speculative transactions.

GAINS FROM CRYPTOCURRENCIES

Revenue Secretary Tarun Bajaj said gains from cryptocurrencies were always taxable and what the Budget proposed is not a new tax but providing certainty over the issue, according to a PTI report.

“The provision in the Finance Bill is related to taxation of virtual digital assets. It is to bring certainty in taxation of cryptocurrencies. It does not convey anything on its legality which would come out once the Bill (on regulating such assets) is introduced in Parliament,” he said.

LEGISLATION TO REGULATE CRYPTOCURRENCIES

The government is working on legislation to regulate cryptocurrencies, but no draft has yet been released publicly.

In the meanwhile, a central bank-backed digital currency will start circulating in the next fiscal to usher in cheaper, more efficient currency management.

CRYPTO COLUMN IN ITR FORM

The 30 per cent plus applicable cesses and surcharge of 15 per cent on income above Rs 50 lakh will have to be paid on income from cryptocurrencies, he said adding the income tax return form from next year will have a separate column to declare gains from crypto.

“Next year ITR form will show a separate column for crypto. Yes, you will have to disclose,” he said.

TDS ON PAYMENTS

The Union Budget 2022 also proposed a 1 per cent TDS on payments towards virtual currencies beyond Rs 10,000 in a year and taxation of such gifts in the hands of the recipient. The threshold limit for TDS would be Rs 50,000 a year for specified persons, which include individuals/HUFs who are required to get their accounts audited under the I-T Act.

The provisions related to 1 per cent TDS will come into effect from July 1, 2022, while the gains will be taxed effective April 1.

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