Australian Tax Office seeks data from 1.2 million crypto exchange users: Report

As an experienced tax analyst, I have seen firsthand the complexities and challenges that come with taxing digital assets like cryptocurrencies. The recent announcement by Australia’s Taxation Office (ATO) seeking data from up to 1.2 million crypto exchange users for a potential crackdown on crypto tax obligations is a concerning development for many investors.


Approximately 1.2 million cryptocurrency exchange users in Australia may have their personal information and transaction details requested by the tax authority for possible scrutiny regarding their crypto tax liabilities, according to reports.

Last month, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) announced that the data it has obtained will aid in identifying crypto traders who might have neglected to report and pay taxes on their transactions, based on information obtained from a notice viewed by Reuters.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) intends to request individuals’ personal information such as date of birth, social media handles, and mobile numbers, in addition to their trading history details including wallet addresses, types of cryptocurrencies exchanged, and banking account information.

Australian regulatory bodies view cryptocurrencies as taxable assets rather than ordinary foreign currencies. Consequently, individuals who trade in these digital assets are obligated to calculate and pay capital gains tax on any realized profits.

During a period when crypto investments have been particularly lucrative, news emerges about stricter enforcement of tax collection on cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin (BTC) surged by nearly 45% since the start of the year, while Ether (ETH) experienced a 32% increase in value year-to-date.

Australian Tax Office seeks data from 1.2 million crypto exchange users: Report

According to TradingView’s data, the market value of the leading altcoins, apart from Bitcoin and Ethereum, has surged by more than 27% this year.

As a researcher studying the intricacies of the cryptocurrency market, I’ve come across numerous instances where people may not be fully aware of their tax obligations. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has issued a notice addressing this issue due to the complexity surrounding cryptocurrencies.

“The ability to purchase crypto assets using false information may make them attractive to those seeking to avoid their tax obligations.”

A global crypto tax crackdown may be incoming

Australia isn’t the only jurisdiction seeking to collect unpaid taxes from digital asset gains.

As a crypto investor, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the news, and I was intrigued when I heard about the director general of the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) compliance branch, Sahil Behal, making some revelations in a May 6 report by the National Post. According to him, the CRA is currently engaged in over 400 crypto-related audits and investigating hundreds of crypto investors. It seems that the agency is leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of securing unpaid crypto taxes. This serves as a reminder for us investors to stay compliant with tax regulations and accurately report our crypto transactions.

New audits have been added to the existing suspicion that approximately $39.5 million in taxes from the 2023-2024 fiscal year have yet to be paid according to the Canadian tax agency.

In Turkey, the government is set to pass a new law concerning cryptocurrencies later this year. This upcoming bill aims to establish a regulatory framework for taxing cryptocurrencies in Turkey, making it a significant player in the global crypto market.

As a researcher studying tax policies in the US, I’ve come across a proposed change that could impact high-income earners. Regulators are considering increasing the long-term capital gains tax rate to 44.6% for individuals making over a million dollars annually.

As an analyst, I’d put it this way: The Biden administration’s Federal Budget proposal contained a provision that would impose a 25% tax on the unrealized gains of ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

“Matthew Walrath, the founder of Crypto Tax Made Easy, explained to CryptoMoon that for most people, it’s an insignificant and unimpressive proposal.”

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2024-05-07 14:08