Breaking: Indian FM Sitharaman Says ‘Taxing Cryptos Doesn’t Mean It Has Been Legalized’

victoria
February 11, 2022 Updated July 17, 2025
Why Trust CoinGape
CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
indian-crypto-lede-1300x731

Is the proposed 30% tax on Cryptocurrencies a tacit acceptance of cryptocurrencies by the Government Of India? Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman quashes such possibilities and said that taxing crypto assets does not mean the legalization of cryptocurrencies.

The Finance Minister’s statement comes at a time when the cryptocurrency tax proposal has evoked mixed responses. While some have decried the tax as another move to regulate DeFi, others have taken it as a signal of acceptance of cryptocurrency by the Government.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Sitharaman: I am not going to legalize it or ban it at this stage

The Indian FM has broken her silence on cryptocurrency legalization and said that the Government has only taxed the profits emanating from the crypto trade. It must not be read as a sign of acceptance of cryptocurrency as a currency of value at par with fiat currencies issued by the central banks.

The Economic Times quotes Sitharaman saying, “I am not going to legalize it or ban it at this stage. Banning or not banning will come subsequently when consultations give me input”.

Many experts opine that the move to bring profits earned from cryptocurrency transactions is the first step towards legalizing it.

The cryptocurrency tax comes at a time when the Government is in the process of bringing the Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill. Unfortunately, the bill wasn’t mentioned among the list that will be taken up during the Budget session.

Advertisement
Advertisement

RBI opposing the Bill

Legalizing cryptocurrency is facing stiff resistance from the Reserve Bank of India, which has fiercely opposed any such move and said it would be detrimental to the nation’s financial stability.

The RBI has not budged and maintained that private cryptocurrencies are a threat to financial stability.

Speaking after the monetary policy review, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said, “Cryptocurrencies have no underlying (value), not even a tulip.”

Sitaraman has proposed a 30 percent tax on the sale of private crypto assets without any deduction or exemption.

Advertisement
coingape google news coingape google news
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Victoria is a Nigerian journalist and entrepreneur with a background in Communications. She's interested in writing about Cryptocurrency, Blockchain and Humans. She owns a tad bit of BTC and ETH and her favorite thing to do is sit by the ocean listening to Beyoncé.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.