India’s Crypto Tax Law Hits Traders With 70% Penalty

• India’s new tax law enforces up to 70% penalties on unreported crypto gains, impacting traders retroactively up to 48 months.
• Strict regulations push crypto investors toward Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea as India tightens its control over digital asset transactions.

The Indian government has once again shaken up the cryptocurrency market with a new tax policy that will take effect in 2025. For unreported gains, this provision subjects digital asset holders to a tax penalty ranging up to 70%. No kidding, this policy has been in force since February 1, 2025 and is retroactive 48 months earlier.

Imagine this for those still believing they can evade crypto taxes: For years you have been enjoying the advantages of crypto assets without reporting taxes; then, all of a sudden in 2025, the government taxes and fines you. It’s like receiving a massive credit card debt you never knew before!

The Indian government will implement new tax laws in 2025 that will impose a tax penalty of up to 70% on undeclared cryptocurrency gains, applicable to undeclared gains dating back up to 48 months. The new tax provisions will apply retroactively from February 1, 2025.…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) February 2, 2025

Crypto Regulation in India is Getting Tighter

India is not a nation friendly for cryptocurrency. The government has formerly taxed earnings from digital asset trading at thirty percent. These days, they are strengthening the guidelines by classifying crypto under undeclared income. This implies that anyone who does not disclose crypto gains from the past four years could be liable for extra taxes at a higher rate.

Conversely, this measure also adds a new article requiring crypto trading platforms to notify the authorities of user transactions. Should crypto exchanges neglect this, they can also be subject to more penalties.

Bybit Shuts Down in India, Investors Look to Other Countries

The Indian crypto market is beginning to suffer under the stricter rules. According to our prior report, one of the biggest crypto trading platforms, Bybit, has ceased new trading within the nation. The action emphasizes even further the difficulties the crypto sector has in India and implies that the nation might not be appealing anymore for investors.

The issue is that these ever strict tax regulations can force traders and investors overseas. Countries with more crypto-friendly rules—such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea—may start to draw Indian investment.

Tighter Crypto Rules in India: Setback or a New Beginning?

For investors who still active in India, these new rules feel like a nightmare. High taxes, retroactive penalties, and stricter transaction monitoring make things even tougher.

On the flip side, these new rules could speed up the adoption of clearer regulations. With taxes and tighter oversight, crypto might become more integrated into India’s financial system—but at a cost to investors.

The increased tax is not only a figure; it’s a clear indication from the Indian government that it wants more control over the crypto market tightened. Some may find that free crypto investment in India ends here. For those who spot an opportunity, though, this could be a perfect moment to review a fresh investment plan.