What Indian Crypto Community Expect from Union Budget 2024?

• Indian crypto community seeks tax rationalization, regulatory clarity, and more in Budget’24.
• High taxes prompt Indian users to shift crypto investments overseas, impacting trading volumes.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gears up to present the Union Budget on February 1, 2024. Whilst that, the Indian crypto community is holding its breath in anticipation of crucial developments that could shape the future of the burgeoning digital asset landscape in the country.

In the wake of the Union Budget 2023, there were no revisions to the flat 30 percent tax on cryptocurrencies that was initially introduced in the 2022 budget. The persistence of this tax structure has contributed to a challenging environment for crypto businesses and investors.

Meanwhile, the global crypto landscape has seen noteworthy strides, with the recent approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF by the US SEC indicating a shift in regulatory attitudes. As India contemplates its stance on digital currencies, there is a growing consensus within the crypto community about the need for a more nuanced and supportive regulatory framework.

The crypto netizens want the government to get inspired by Countries like El Salvador and Switzerland, demonstrating how balanced regulations can foster a thriving crypto economy. Also, the Swiss model, with its progressive policies, has turned the nation into a hub for crypto innovation, while Singapore’s clear regulatory framework provides a secure environment for crypto Businesses.

Furthermore, in 2023, Chainanalysis reported that India boasted the highest crypto adoption rate, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Indian Community Wants

The Indian crypto community’s expectations for Budget 2024 are clear: a call for rationalizing the tax structure for cryptocurrencies, potential revisions in the 30 percent tax rate, and integration of cryptocurrencies into the banking system. These measures, the community argues, would not only alleviate the burden on investors but also encourage innovation and job creation within the sector.

Notably, the heavy taxation and the additional 1 percent TDS on crypto transactions, imposed in the previous budget, have led to a drastic decline in trading volumes. Industry reports suggest that Indian users are increasingly shifting their investments overseas due to the comparatively high taxes on Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) in India.

As India grapples with these challenges, there is a growing consensus that the budget must address the pressing need for regulatory clarity, reduced taxation, and integration of cryptocurrencies into the mainstream financial system. The hopes of the Indian crypto community are high, as they await a budget that could lay the foundation for a more vibrant and sustainable crypto ecosystem in the country.