Brazil is introducing a new taxation scheme for cryptocurrencies, to change the way these assets are taxed. Under proposed bill to be presented to the National Congress, cryptocurrencies would be taxed similarly to shares and capital instruments with variable exchange rates, rather than being categorized as goods.
The bill suggests taxing crypto investments at a rate of 15% of the income generated from operations involving cryptocurrencies. Currently, cryptocurrency gains in Brazil are taxed as goods, subject to capital gains tax based on transaction volumes, ranging from 15% to 22.5%. The proposed tax regime would apply to cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) traded by investors transacting over a certain threshold monthly.
However, it remains uncertain whether the bill will alter the existing thresholds, potentially exempting small-scale cryptocurrency traders from taxation. The proposed changes are expected to be implemented in 2025, pending approval by Congress after over a year of development.
This shift in taxation reflects Brazil’s increasing regulatory oversight of the cryptocurrency market. In February, the Brazilian crypto tax authority identified irregularities in over 25,000 cryptocurrency tax statements, employing both traditional and artificial intelligence methods for detection.
In conclusion, Brazil’s proposed changes to cryptocurrency taxation shows the government’s efforts to address regulatory concerns and ensure a fair and transparent framework for cryptocurrency transactions. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, stakeholders will closely monitor its implications for the cryptocurrency market in Brazil.