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A single mistake in crypto regulations can result in imprisonment or the loss of millions of dollars to legislators. Consequently, investors worldwide need to understand the tax implications of owning, trading, and earning digital assets. Here is how 2025 faces the law.
The regulatory space is intricate and constantly changing, with the US, the UK, and the EU each implementing unique tax regulations, rates, and exemptions.
Paybis CEO Konstantin Vasilenko advised, “Many individuals who have dabbled in crypto were not initially aware that they would need to account for tax reporting and holdings. However, as tax regimes plan to increase their scrutiny starting in 2025, it’s crucial to be proactive.”
Crypto tax policies in the US
In the US, crypto is categorized as a digital asset. Consecutively, the Internal Revenue Service treats it the same as stocks, bonds, and other capital assets.
Profits from crypto are taxed at different rates depending on whether they are considered capital gains or income. This is determined by how the crypto was purchased and how long it was held.
Crypto tax requirements in the US vary depending on how you use your digital assets. This is because different activities are classified as taxable or non-taxable events.
For instance, buying crypto with cash and merely holding it does not result in a tax. Only taxes are paid when selling the crypto, and the earnings are “realized.”
In the case of donating crypto to a qualified charity, one may be eligible for a charitable deduction. Similarly, getting crypto as a gift is often tax-free until it is sold or used in a taxable activity such as staking.
In the United States, when crypto is sold for more than it is paid for, it will be subject to capital gains tax. Losses, however, may be deductible. Converting from one crypto to another, such as trading Bitcoin for Ether, is considered a taxable event. This is because it entails selling one asset to get another.
Similarly, using crypto to purchase goods or services requires one to pay capital gains tax, as the IRS considers this a sale.
Also, crypto activities that generate income are subject to taxation. If your company pays you in crypto, it is considered taxable income in accordance with your tax bracket.
Similarly, receiving crypto in exchange for products or services must be declared as income. Mining crypto generates taxable income depending on the fair market value of the coins received. Staking awards are taxed, with liabilities determined by the value of the payments when received.
However, in a few instances, some crypto assets have been viewed as securities. This has caused misunderstandings. But, with the new administration, the regulations are expected to be more friendly.
The UK regulatory framework in 2025
The UK’s HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) defines crypto as assets. This distinction implies that any gains or losses from crypto trades are subject to capital gains tax.
Capital Gains Tax(CGT) is levied on any crypto disposal. This includes selling, using crypto to purchase products, swapping one crypto for another, and giving digital assets.
Tax rates can be large, particularly for high-income earners, reaching up to 24%. But, basic-rate taxpayers pay a 10% tax rate on gains above the exemption threshold.
Both basic-rate and higher-rate taxpayers now receive an exemption on the first £3,000 of gains. This attracts more people to engage in the crypto industry.
However, if these profits place a taxpayer in the higher-rate band, they will be liable to higher CGT rates.
Certain crypto activities are subject to income tax in addition to capital gains. Profits from mining and crypto earned as employment compensation are taxed as income.
Still, employers who pay in crypto must account for National Insurance Contributions both for themselves and their employees. Any further gains on crypto received as remuneration are normally liable to CGT.
The UK has shown interest in making the nation crypto-friendly enough to compete with the US. This has raised expectations that 2025 will be good for crypto in the nation.
Crypto tax policies within the European Union are likely to discourage investments
Most European countries treat crypto as property, taxing earnings from sale, exchange, payment, and so forth. However, the nature of these levies differs greatly between countries.
In Germany, crypto assets are classified as private money. On the other hand, earnings are tax-free if kept for more than a year. This promotes long-term investment. However, selling within a year results in income tax rates of up to 45%, with a 5.5% solidarity surcharge for incomes over €10,908.
On the contrary, Spain taxes crypto gains as ordinary income. This applies to those with rates ranging from 19% to 28%, regardless of holding term. Strict reporting requirements also apply to crypto trading and holdings.
Also, Portugal, previously known for its lax crypto tax policy, has tightened regulations. Current rates range from 14.5% to 53%, with a basic 28% capital gains tax and special allowances for mining operations.
Now, the EU is working toward harmonization with the markets in the area of crypto-assets (MiCA) Regulation.
Moving forward, the MiCA legislation and the EU’s travel rule will go into effect in 2025, with an emphasis on anti-money laundering (AML) and countering financial crime.
These measures are expected to intensify tax oversight, bringing more crypto activities under scrutiny by local authorities. The crypto industry doesn’t like hearing this, and it could affect crypto investments in EU nations.
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