Foreign experience in legal regulation of cryptocurrency taxation

Abstract

The active development and distribution of cryptocurrencies around the world raises a natural question about the need to determine the procedure for legal regulation of taxation of transactions with cryptocurrencies. In this article, on the basis of the comparative legal method, the author examines the experience of legal regulation of cryptocurrencies and the procedure for their taxation in foreign countries. As part of the study, the experience of the United States of America, Singapore, New Zealand, Iran in terms of the legal regulation of cryptocurrencies and the procedure for their taxation is analyzed. It has been established that each of the above-mentioned states adheres to its own special approach in terms of regulation and taxation of cryptocurrencies. As a result of the study, three main models of legal regulation and taxation of cryptocurrencies in foreign jurisdictions were identified: the first approach is based on the recognition of cryptocurrencies as a type of convertible virtual currency that can be used as a means of payment. At the same time, in this approach, for tax purposes, cryptocurrencies are considered as property; under the second approach, cryptocurrencies are not recognized as legal tender. In the second approach, cryptocurrencies are treated as property for tax purposes; the third approach is based on a complete ban on the use of cryptocurrencies in the state, taxation of transactions with cryptocurrencies is not established.