Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) has unveiled a plan to revise the nation’s tax code for the fiscal year 2025, with significant changes proposed for the taxation of cryptocurrency assets. The FSA's new request, released on August 30, suggests that crypto assets should be treated similarly to traditional financial investments.
Currently, profits from cryptocurrency transactions in Japan are taxed as miscellaneous income, with rates ranging from 15% to 55%. The highest rate applies to earnings exceeding 200,000 Japanese yen ($1,377), though the exact rate varies depending on the taxpayer’s income bracket. In contrast, profits from stock trading are taxed at a flat 20% for the highest earners.
Corporate holders of cryptocurrencies face a flat tax rate of 30% on their holdings at the end of the fiscal year, regardless of whether they have realized any gains through sales.
The FSA's proposal aims to align the tax treatment of cryptocurrencies with traditional financial assets, reflecting their increasing role as investment vehicles. This move comes amid ongoing advocacy from {crypto} supporters in Japan, who have long called for a tax reform to encourage growth in the crypto sector.
In 2023, the Japan Blockchain Association, a prominent pro-crypto group, formally requested a reduction in the tax rate on crypto assets. Their proposal included a flat 20% tax rate and a three-year loss carryover deduction to support industry expansion. Despite these efforts, no changes have yet been enacted.
The proposed tax reform must be reviewed and approved by the Japanese government, including the House of Representatives and the House of Councilors. If enacted, the new tax regulations could significantly impact how crypto assets are treated in Japan, potentially fostering a more favorable environment for digital asset investments.