How government tracks cryptocurrency & tax evasion?

In recent years, there has been exponential increase in the scrutiny of tax payers account active in cryptocurrency transaction and trading. Numerous individuals have received income tax notices for tax assessments for years 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017, or even earlier, related to their activities on national and international cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, Kraken and Coinsecure, Zebpay and more.

These notices have often cited significant amounts, with tax claims ranging from several lakhs to crores, leaving recipient in the state of confusion and concerns. And situation is further complicated when chartered accountants and lawyers, traditionally relied upon for tax advice and auditing, find themselves at a disadvantage due to a lack of familiarity with the intricacies of cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology, and the specific challenges these pose to conventional accounting practices.

Such incidents are not isolated but a common story across USA, Germany, France, Austria, Canada & even India. The skyrocket in number of tax notices sent has been attributed to exchange sharing data with government and also government actively collecting data from exchange as part of its efforts to curb tax evasion and ensure compliance with tax obligations.

Herein, in this article we shall understand and shed lights on the mechanism employed by government to monitor cryptocurrency activities and how individuals might receive notices. Moreover, we will dive deeper into strategies for maintaining privacy while adhering to legal requirements, thus attempt to bring balance to transparency and personal security.

How government is tracking cryptocurrency?

Developed countries like USA, Canada and European countries has already developed and deployed blockchain monitoring capabilities and have undisclosed methods to track the flow of cryptocurrency. These are primarily achieved in cooperation with cryptocurrency exchanges that have been mandated to report high value transaction to government departments dealing with Anti Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Funding (AML/CFT). Herein, we have document tools available:

1. Collaboration with Exchange—Regulations have been implemented by a number of governments that require cryptocurrency exchanges to record transactions. When you buy, sell, or transfer cryptocurrencies, the exchange may be legally compelled to communicate this information with the relevant tax authorities. This is because of the aforementioned information.
2. Advance Analytics Tools—For the purpose of tracking the flow of cryptocurrencies across the blockchain, tax authorities make use of software and analytics techniques that are very sophisticated. Through the process of tying blockchain addresses to real-world identities, these technologies have the ability to de-anonymize transactions to a certain level.
3. Monitoring Blockchain – Blockchain is a public ledger, which means that transactions are accessible for anyone to study and analyze. Furthermore, with the developments that have been achieved in big data, analytics, and artificial intelligence, it is now possible to monitor millions of transactions and accomplish one’s goals.
4. International Cooperation – As a result of the global nature of cryptocurrencies, countries are increasingly working together to share information with one another. Countries are able to communicate information about their financial accounts, including financial account information connected to cryptocurrencies, thanks to initiatives such as the Common Reporting Standard (CRS).

How not to get tracked?

Blockchain was once celebrated as an anonymous public ledger. However, advancements in analytics and AI have made it tough for individuals to remain concealed, especially when engaging in cryptocurrency trading on exchanges. Data collected from various sources, including exchanges, IP addresses, and bank transaction details, has eroded the anonymity once associated with blockchain technology.

To avoid tracking, exploring alternative methods of cryptocurrency acquisition is advisable. These may include offering services for cryptocurrency, engaging in mining activities, or considering peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions, which may provide varying degrees of anonymity depending on the circumstances.

As the landscape of cryptocurrency continues to evolve, so too does the approach of governments and tax authorities in monitoring and taxing these digital assets. While receiving a tax notice can be unsettling, understanding the mechanisms of government tracking and taking proactive steps can help individuals navigate these challenges. By seeking expert advice, staying informed about regulatory changes, and adopting privacy-preserving practices within the bounds of the law, cryptocurrency users can manage their tax obligations more effectively and confidently.

This exploration aims to demystify the process behind government notices related to cryptocurrency transactions and offers a pathway for individuals to maintain both their privacy and compliance. As the dialogue between the cryptocurrency community and regulatory bodies continues, it is hoped that clearer guidelines and more nuanced approaches to taxation will emerge, benefiting all stakeholders involved.

What Happens if you get tracked?
When the government tracks your cryptocurrency transactions and identifies potential discrepancies or undeclared income, the following could happen:

1. Initial Notice: You might receive an initial notice from the tax authority indicating that they have information suggesting undeclared or misreported cryptocurrency transactions. This notice is an opportunity for you to verify the accuracy of their findings and respond with your own records or explanation.
2. Audit and Investigation: If the tax authority finds your response insufficient or if discrepancies persist, they may initiate a more thorough audit or investigation. This process involves a detailed examination of your financial records, including cryptocurrency transactions, to assess the accuracy of your tax filings.
3. Penalties and Fines: Should the audit or investigation conclude that you have indeed underreported income or evaded taxes, you could face penalties and fines. The severity of these penalties often depends on the degree of non-compliance and the amount of taxes owed. In some jurisdictions, penalties for tax evasion can be quite severe, including substantial financial fines or even criminal charges.
4. Settlement and Payment Plans: In many cases, tax authorities prefer to settle tax disputes out of court. You may be offered a chance to pay the outstanding taxes along with any penalties and interest. Sometimes, tax authorities may offer payment plans to individuals who cannot pay their tax bill in full. This approach allows for the resolution of tax liabilities without further legal action.
5. Legal Action: If the situation escalates, or if you fail to respond to notices and fail to pay the determined tax liabilities, the tax authority might take legal action. This can include liens on property, garnishment of wages, or other legal measures to recover owed taxes. In extreme cases, particularly for significant tax evasion, criminal charges may be filed, leading to prosecution.

How to respond to Crypto Tax Notice?

Responding to notices is quite a task as it requires careful consideration of so many factors but you don’t need to panic because receiving notices is okay. Its means, that government is providing opportunity to clarify cryptocurrency transaction and should be taken as positive sign.  It is possible to feel overwhelmed when one receives a notification from the tax department, particularly if one has been trading on cryptocurrency for long time and perhaps not paid transaction or performed accounting right. Following are recommended set of activities that will help with responding to notices:

1. Don’t try to be smart – It’s very important not to try to trick the tax authorities by hiding information or making false claims about losses. Because cryptocurrency activities are recorded on public ledgers, they are naturally clear. It’s not a good idea to try to change the facts in this case. By being open and honest, you show that you are ready to follow tax rules and work to fix any problems or discrepancies that are found in your cryptocurrency transactions.
2. Consolidate & Build Books – Get together and order all of your records of cryptocurrency transactions in a way that makes sense. To do this, you need to gather information like the dates, amounts, parties involved, and any supporting papers like exchange statements or receipts. By putting all of your records in one place, you get a clear picture of all of your cryptocurrency actions, which makes it easier to report them correctly to the government. To make this process easier and keep records in order, use digital tools or software that is made to handle cryptocurrency transactions.
3. Get yourself audited – You might want to let a trained professional chartered account or crypto tax expert look over your cryptocurrency transactions if you want to. They will review and find loopholes and help find any possible mistakes or gaps. An audit also gives you useful information about how to answer query or concern that probably will be raised by assessment authority during scrutiny.
4. Be ready for answers – If the tax officials ask you about your cryptocurrency transactions, be ready to give them a full and quick answer. You should be ready for questions about the nature and purpose of each trade, the specifics of any gains or losses, and any proof or paperwork that is needed. If you auditor is great then, you are prepared to answer all the queries. Being proactive and well-prepared shows that you are serious about following tax rules and makes it easier for tax officials to quickly address any questions or concerns they may have.
5. Seek Expert Advice – To make sense of the complicated web of tax laws and rules, get help from a tax expert or a lawyer who specializes in cryptocurrency, blockchain auditing and taxes. Talking to an expert gives you information that is specific to your situation. This helps you make smart choices and handle any tax notices or questions that come up in a good way.

Handling Crypto Tax Notices with Catax

Upon receiving a tax notice related to cryptocurrency transactions, the path forward may seem daunting. Catax, with its sophisticated platform, provides users with the tools and resources necessary to respond to these notices effectively and efficiently. From consolidating transaction records to generating detailed reports, Catax ensures that every piece of required information is at your fingertips, ready to be presented to tax authorities.