Virtual Digital Asset Tax Architecture in India: A Critical Examination

Description: This report is the first empirical exercise to estimate the impact of India’s tax policy on centralised Virtual Digital Asset (VDA) exchanges, that are similar to stock exchanges for digital assets. It examines the impact of three events on the centralised virtual digital asset (VDA) industry in India, announced on 1st February 2022 during the Union Budget 2022-23: (a) a levy of a flat 30 percent tax on gains from VDA trade applicable from 1st April 2022; (b) a levy of 1 percent tax deducted at source (TDS) on transactions above INR 10,000 from 1st July 2022; and (c) the provision disallowing the offsetting of losses applicable from 1st April 2022s.

Attribution: Dr. Vikash Gautam. Virtual Digital Asset Tax Architecture in India: A Critical Examination. Special Issue No. 208, January 2023, Esya Centre.