Japan proposes easing crypto taxes in a bid to strengthen the economy

Japan’s regulator, the Financial Services Agency (FSA), is proposing easing the corporate crypto tax in the country to strengthen the economy in line with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s vision.

Under the proposed revision, the agency wants companies excluded from paying taxes for paper gains on cryptocurrencies they hold after issuing them, Bloomberg reported on August 31.

It is worth noting that the corporate crypto tax in Japan has been a source of contention between regulators and players. For instance, the high taxes have been cited as the reason behind the inability of new projects to launch in the country. Consequently, prospective crypto ventures have migrated to friendly jurisdictions like Singapore. 

At the moment, profit from cryptocurrency holdings, alongside unrealized gains, is subject to corporate tax of about 30%.

Tax breaks for individuals 

Furthermore, the regulators’ annual tax-code change request seeks to implement tax breaks for individual crypto investors. The proposal wants the government to raise the investment limit for retail investors while making the tax break system under Nippon Individual Savings Account permanent. 

Notably, in the current tax break system, individuals can have a portion of their investment gains and dividends not included in the capital-gains tax over a period of time. At the same time, the FSA proposal also seeks to introduce lighter levies for individual stock investors.

Elsewhere, reviewing existing crypto laws forms part of the ‘New Capitalism’ vision by Prime Minster Kishida, who seeks to double household wealth and support the country’s Web3 centered businesses. . 

More opportunities for investors 

If the plan is realized, Japanese residents will have an opportunity to use their savings in other income-generating ventures like investing in stocks to benefit the broader economy. The country’s tax panel will review the proposals towards the end of this year. 

Similarly, the opportunities in the crypto space have resulted in mainstream players opting to incorporate the sector in their services to lure investors. 

As reported by Finbold, Japanese banking giant Shinsei Bank rolled out a new initiative to reward clients with cryptocurrency exchange coupons for opening an account with the facility.