South Korea Plans to Enforce Crypto Tax by 2025 Amid Prior Delays

Key takeaways

• South Korea plans to enforce a 20% cryptocurrency gains tax (22% with local taxes) starting January 1, 2025, after two prior delays.
• The tax-free threshold for crypto gains will increase from 2.5 million won ($1,795) to 50 million won ($35,919).
• To address the volatility and record-keeping challenges in crypto markets, taxpayers without accurate purchase records can estimate their gains using a percentage of the sale price.

South Korea Sets 2025 Start Date for Crypto Tax with Investor-Friendly Adjustments

The ruling party of South Korea plans to implement a crypto gains tax in early 2025. According to the Seoul Shinmun, they do not intend to delay the tax further. This tax involves a 20% levy, increasing to 222% with local taxes.

Initially, the tax was supposed to start on January 1, 2022. However, strong opposition from investors and experts led to two postponements. The new enforcement date is set for January 1, 2025.

There were considerations about delaying the tax even further. Some suggested pushing it back to 2028. However, South Korea's ruling party, the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), is firm on starting it in 2025.

To ease the impact, the party plans to make a change by raising the tax-free limit for crypto gains. Instead of taxing gains above 2.5 million won ($1,795), the threshold will be increased to 50 million won ($35,919). This means smaller investors will get more room before taxes apply to them.

Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile. Prices change drastically within short periods, making it challenging for investors to keep records accurately. The new tax plan aims to address this issue.

If taxpayers cannot provide exact records of how much they paid for their crypto, they can use an estimated value instead. This estimate will be based on a percentage of the sale price. For example, if someone sells their cryptocurrency but doesn't have proof of the purchase price, they can use this means to calculate their taxable gain.

With this approach, they have simplified the process. The approach also ensures that investors are not unfairly taxed due to missing documentation.

By offering this flexibility, the government hopes to create a fairer tax system for crypto traders. It also acknowledges the difficulties of tracking every detail in a fast-moving and complex market.

How The New Crypto Tax Plan Aims to Strike a Balance

The Democratic Party explained the reason for raising the tax exemption limit to 50 million won. They believe this amount is so high that only very few people would end up paying taxes on their crypto gains.

For context, 50 million won is about $25,919. Most casual investors in cryptocurrencies don't make profits anywhere near this amount. As a result, the majority of people would not owe any taxes at all under this rule.

Due to this, the Democratic Party stated that the change was almost like canceling the tax plan entirely. If so, few investors are taxed, the plan may not achieve its original purpose.

The goal of the tax was to generate revenue from those making substantial profits. However, with the new threshold, only the biggest players in the market would be affected.

The Party seems to believe this change strikes a balance, softening the blow for regular investors while applying the taxes to high earners.

The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) plans to fast-track the amended crypto tax plan. They aim for a review by the National Assembly's tax subcommittee on November 25, followed by a vote in the legislature's general meeting on November 26. If approved, the amended plan will move forward as scheduled.

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