Biden’s plan to close crypto tax loss harvesting loophole is a step in the right direction

Biden’s plan to close crypto tax loss harvesting loophole is a step in the right direction

President Joe Biden’s proposed budget plan has caused a stir in the crypto community due to its intention to terminate tax loss harvesting on crypto transactions. The reactions from the community have been mixed, with some perceiving this as an infringement on the freedom of crypto traders while others view it as a necessary step in regulating the industry and curbing tax evasion.

Tax loss harvesting is a technique used to minimize an individual’s tax liability by deliberately selling an investment at a loss to offset present and/or future capital gains. It reduces the amount of tax one pays for selling profitable investments. Although tax loss harvesting is usually carried out manually towards the end of the year, a systematic approach that identifies these opportunities automatically and acts on them throughout the year can be more effective, even for fixed income or income-generating securities. This approach allows individuals to decrease their tax liability by deducting the losses from their taxable income. However, this strategy has come under fire for being a loophole that enables affluent investors to evade taxes. The termination of tax loss harvesting on crypto transactions is estimated to raise up to $24 billion and reduce the deficit by $3 trillion.

Advocates of this proposition contend that it is an imperative measure to promote fairness and equity among taxpayers by ensuring that everyone contributes their fair share. They argue that the current tax system is biased towards the wealthy, who are able to exploit various tax loopholes and deductions to lower their tax bills. This ultimately results in middle-class and low-income earners being unfairly burdened with a disproportionate share of taxes. This imbalance creates an unjust and unequal tax system.

On the other hand, critics of the Biden budget plan assert that ending tax loss harvesting on crypto transactions is ill-advised as it could discourage innovation and investment in the cryptocurrency industry. They posit that this move could prompt some investors to relocate their assets offshore or to other countries with more lenient tax policies, leading to an exodus of talent and capital from the United States. Moreover, they contend that this change could disproportionately affect small and medium-sized enterprises that depend on cryptocurrency investment and trading for their expansion and growth.

The strategy of tax loss harvesting is commonly utilized by investors in the United States as a means of reducing capital gains taxes on their cryptocurrency investments. However, this approach is not extensively used in other countries due to differences in tax policies specific to cryptocurrency investments. For instance, in Canada, cryptocurrency investments are regarded as commodities and are thus subject to capital gains taxes. Meanwhile, in Australia, profits from cryptocurrency investments are also subject to capital gains taxes, with cryptocurrency considered property for tax purposes.

In the United Kingdom, gains from cryptocurrency investments are taxable under capital gains tax, but it is not possible to use losses to offset other gains. On the other hand, in Germany, cryptocurrency investments held for over a year are exempted from capital gains taxes, but those held for less than a year are taxed at the investor’s personal income tax rate. While other countries like Japan and South Korea have also established tax policies specific to cryptocurrency investments, these policies can differ significantly and may be subject to revision over time.Closing the crypto tax loss harvesting loophole could be viewed as a step in the right direction towards regulating the cryptocurrency industry and ensuring tax fairness. However, it is important to weigh the potential consequences of this policy change.

To summarize, I believe that closing the cryptocurrency tax loss harvesting loophole as proposed in President Biden’s budget plan is not a good policy. It could have negative impacts on small investors, innovation, and the market as a whole, while also not generating significant revenue for the government. Rather than this approach, I suggest exploring alternative policies that promote growth and innovation in the cryptocurrency industry while still ensuring that the government can collect revenue.

By Anndy Lian.

The author is an intergovernmental blockchain expert

Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/blockchain/bidens-plan-to-close-crypto-tax-loss-harvesting-loophole-is-a-step-in-the-right-direction/3013562/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

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India’s Digital Rupee Plan Draws Mixed Response from Investors

India’s Digital Rupee Plan Draws Mixed Response from Investors

India has joined a growing group of countries introducing central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

In the Union Budget 2022-2023, the Finance Minister has announced that the country will have its digital rupee backed by the blockchain and it will begin a phased rollout of the currency this financial year.

Blockchain Assets Review spoke to industry insiders and here is what they had to say about the digital rupee and it drew a mixed response.

While industry insiders see a lot of potential in the concept, some are still doubtful of the timely implementation of such a digital currency.

Aliasgar Merchant, a developer relations engineer at blockchain firm Tendermint, said, “The introduction of ‘Digital Rupee’ or CBDC is definitely a positive move” however, it also raises “some concerns and questions.”

Merchant noted that given the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) past record on technological implementation, the timely rollout of CBDC is a “matter of concern.”

Furthermore, he said that the RBI’s centralized hold over the currency defies the purpose and applications of a decentralized currency.

Another negative impact, Merchant said, is that “we do not know what kind of data the banks will gather from the people who use them, whether there would be a limit to how much one person can withdraw or deposit if there will be different transaction limit for individuals and businesses.”

“In addition, if a fraud is uncovered after the launch of CBDC, any wrongdoings will be attributed to the RBI,” he said, adding that having such a centralized authority is always risky.

Jay Hao, chief executive of global exchange OKX, appreciated that India is joining a growing list of countries in introducing CBDCs. However, he said that the country is slightly lagging behind in the digital currency race mainly due to the regulatory hurdles and reluctance in accepting the growing popularity of digital assets around the world.

“I hope the announcement made by Finance Minister regarding CBDC is implemented without any further delay as it will give a much-needed push to the blockchain industry in India,” Hao added.

Anndy Lian, chairman of BigONE Exchange, said, “The digital rupee is not an easy task for India. India is a big economy and may need to exercise more control over its currency before adopting it to its fullest scale.”

Potential security issues can be a problem at the start and experts should look deeper into the direct and indirect costs potentially linked to the implementation, he added.

While the announcement has made experts raise questions, many still trust the future of CBDCs in the country.

Charles Tan, head of marketing at Coinstore, said: “The digital rupee launch by RBI is a very interesting development as it makes the RBI’s stance on digital assets crystal clear,” he said.

India is moving from an unregulated space to a government-monitored crypto market, which will benefit all the stakeholders of the industry, he said.

Shivam Thakral, CEO of BuyUcoin, a homegrown cryptocurrency exchange said, “RBI has always been ambitious with its CBDC launch. The launch of CBDC by RBI will catalyze the growth of blockchain infrastructure in India and will encourage more entrepreneurs to join the blockchain revolution.”

Interestingly, Thakral noted if RBI allows the trading of CBDC on private exchanges, it will add a new dimension to public-private partnership in the country’s fintech space.

“The launch of RBI’s CBDC will prove to be a momentous occasion for the digital asset industry as it will create a government-approved market for the launch of new/existing digital assets,” he added.

Nischal Shetty, founder and chief executive of crypto exchange, WazirX, is bullish and called the news a ‘phenomenal’ one and said that the country is on the path to legitimizing the crypto sector.

“India launching a blockchain-powered Digital Rupee is phenomenal news. This move will pave the way for crypto adoption and put India in the front seat of innovation,” he told Blockchain Asset Review.

Sumit Gupta, co-founder & chief executive of crypto exchange, CoinDCX, said: “Introduction of CBDC sends a clear signal of India being a digital-first, efficiency-driven, and transparency-led system. CBDC with the backbone of blockchain will help us hold a powerful position in the global economy.

“We welcome the move and congratulate the govt for this visionary move,” he added.

Pratik Gauri, founder and chief executive of the blockchain firm 5ire noted that digital currency will open up great opportunities for innovation and foreign investment.

Raj Kapoor, founder of India Blockchain Alliance and chief growth officer at Chainsense Ltd, said: “The introduction of a digital currency in the next financial year using blockchain and other supporting technology validates not just the technology but also the intent to give a big shot in the arm for the digital economy. Digital currency will also lead to a more efficient and cheaper currency management system.”

In the budget announcement, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the introduction of a central bank digital currency will give “a boost, a big boost to the digital economy,”

“Digital currency will also lead to a more efficient and cheaper currency management system,” she said.

Countries all over the world are increasingly introducing digital currencies. Jamaica has also recently announced that it will roll out its national digital token in the first quarter of the year to reduce transaction costs and offer financial services to citizens who do not otherwise use banks.

Eastern Caribbean nations including Grenada, Saint Lucia, Antigua, and others launched a digital currency in 2021 called DCash while Japan, China, and the United States are also reportedly exploring the possibility of launching CBDCs.

 

Original source: https://blockchainassetreview.com/indias-digital-rupee-plan-draws-mixed-response-from-investors/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

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FORTUNE.COM: Crypto traders panic at India’s vague plan to ‘prohibit all private cryptocurrencies’

FORTUNE.COM: Crypto traders panic at India’s vague plan to ‘prohibit all private cryptocurrencies’

India will introduce a legislation to regulate cryptocurrencies during the winter session of parliament that begins Nov. 29, sparking panic in the crypto market as traders speculated that the government will ban some—if not all—digital currencies.

Prices of major cryptocurrencies fell on Indian exchanges on the news. Bitcoin dropped by 17%, Ethereum by 15% and Tether by almost 18%.

The planned legislation comes after Reserve Bank of India (RIB) Governor Shaktikanta Das said earlier this month that he had “serious concerns” about cryptocurrencies impact on financial stability, alluding to hordes of small investors who were attracted by speculation in the asset.

The notification for the proposed bill, posted Tuesday on the lower house of parliament Lok Sabha’s website, seeks to prohibit all “private cryptocurrencies” in India, with exceptions to “promote the underlying technology and its uses.” It also seeks to “create a facilitative framework for creation of the official digital currency to be issued by the Reserve Bank of India.”

But the government has not clarified the definition of “private cryptocurrencies” or the exceptions, and it is not known whether that term refers to crypto assets whose transactions cannot be tracked on crypto exchanges—or to cryptocurrencies in general.

Previous crypto bills

This is not the India’s first attempt to regulate the freewheeling crypto market.

Three years ago, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), ordered financial institutions to break all ties with individuals and businesses dealing in cryptocurrency. But in March 2020, the Supreme Court derailed the plan, overturning the order because it violated the freedom of trade guaranteed by India’s Constitution.

Since then, however, retail banks have been reluctant to facilitate crypto transactions, despite the RBI revocation of its 2018 directive.

Earlier this year, Indian lawmakers were expected to revisit crypto regulation, with a bill that would have issued a complete ban on cryptocurrency and punish any violation with 10 years’ jail time or a fine—or both.

The proposed legislation was not taken up due to a lack of space on the legislative calendar, which gave crypto exchanges and digital currency professionals time to lobby for regulation of the sector instead of an outright ban.

The lobbying reportedly persuaded government officials to regulate rather than prohibit private digital currencies. But doubts have now resurfaced about the shape of the proposed legislation. Policymakers are reportedly again thinking of more stringent regulation of private cryptocurrencies.

Sowing doubt is the fact that the draft contents of the Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill 2021, as the legislation is known, have not yet been made public.

A panic reaction

With India having the second-largest number of crypto users worldwide, “this move looks like it will not only hurt individuals, but also larger businesses,” says Anndy Lian, Chairman at BigONE Exchange for cryptocurrency.

India is estimated to have around 15 million crypto investors with a cumulative investment value of $6 billion.

Clarity on whether the new regulation proposes to ban most cryptocurrency will only be known when the bill is presented to parliament. And after the bill is introduced in parliament at the end of this month, it will likely be extensively debated and modified.

When parliament produces final regulations, however, legal analysts expect them to fall short of a full ban.

“Banning cryptos is a non-workable proposition from the word go because crypto is a global phenomenon. It cannot be banned,” said Pavan Duggal, a senior Supreme Court lawyer and a specialist in cyber laws and cryptocurrencies. “The better option would be to regulate in a legal framework and enabling manner.”

The proposed legislation on cryptocurrency is the first time that the Indian government “is seriously looking at the crypto ecosystem,” he added.

Much of today’s fear of a ban has been driven by the lack of clarity of what constitutes a “private cryptocurrency”, but according to Kumar Gaurav, founder and CEO of Cashaa, a company that finances the crypto industry, its prohibition won’t affect most people.

The term refers to digital assets that are used for financing drug trafficking and terrorism, not digital assets in general, says Gaurav.

“I am sure that what we’ve seen is a panic reaction to India’s bill. It will probably blow over in a couple of days,” he added.

 

Original Source: https://fortune.com/2021/11/24/india-proposed-bill-prohibit-private-cryptocurrencies-bitcoin-shiba-inu-dogecoin/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

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