Tax Liability on Crypto Trading in India (FY 2024-25)
Under Indian tax laws, crypto trading is taxable under Section 115BBH introduced in Budget 2022. Based on your case, the following tax implications apply:
1. How is Crypto Taxed in India?
✔ Flat 30% Tax on Gains: All profits from crypto trading (including USDT holdings) are taxed at 30% + 4% cess under Section 115BBH, with no deductions (except cost of acquisition).
✔ 1% TDS on Transactions: TDS @ 1% under Section 194S applies on crypto sales if transactions exceed ₹50,000 (for individuals not in business).
✔ Losses Not Adjustable: Crypto losses cannot be set off against other income (salary, capital gains, business income, etc.).
2. Tax Calculation for Your Case (Crypto Trading in USDT)
(a) Taxable Amount – Not Just Withdrawn Funds
❌ You cannot pay tax only on withdrawn amounts.
✅ You must pay tax on total realized profits, even if reinvested.
Since you trade 4 times a day, every realized profit is taxable, regardless of whether you withdraw or reinvest.
3. Taxable Income Breakdown
Date |
Investment (US$) |
Value (US$) |
Realized Profits (Taxable) |
Withdrawn (US$) |
Jan Start |
5 Thousand |
5 Thousand |
- |
- |
Mid-Feb |
5 Thousand |
12 Thousand |
7 Thousand (Taxable) |
5 Thousand |
March 31 |
12 Thousand |
18 Thousand |
6 Thousand (Taxable) |
0 |
📌 Total Taxable Crypto Profit = $7 Thousand (Feb) + $6 Thousand (March) = $13 Thousand
📌 Total Amount Withdrawn = $5 Thousand (But withdrawals don’t affect taxability).
4. Tax Treatment in ITR
Category |
Amount (US$) |
INR Equivalent ( @ ₹83/USD) |
Tax Rate |
Tax Payable (₹) |
Total Crypto Profit |
$13 Thousand |
₹10 Lakh 79 Thousand |
30% + 4% |
₹3 Lakh 36 Thousand Four Hundred Eighty Eight |
Withdrawn Amount |
$5 Thousand |
₹4 Lakh 15 Thousand |
Not Relevant |
N/A |
5. What If You Can’t Withdraw the Crypto?
📌 Even if withdrawal is uncertain, tax must be paid on realized profits.
📌 If exchange collapses before withdrawal, no tax is required (but must prove loss in future claims).