Plummeting Crypto Tax Revenue: Symptom of Industry Decline or Escalating Tax Evasion?

The latest tax returns in France show a significant drop in declared cryptocurrency capital gains. Only 10,000 taxpayers reported crypto asset sales in 2023, leading to a steep decline in crypto-related tax revenue. This decrease reflects a volatile crypto market in 2022, with virtual currency exchange collapses and a substantial drop in Bitcoin value.

Cryptocurrency Tax Revenue Plummets: Indictment of a Declining Industry or an Escalating Tax Evasion Epidemic?

A recent tax declaration has yielded a startling revelation: the French cryptocurrency market is experiencing a precipitous decline, evidenced by a significant drop in declared cryptocurrency capital gains. According to a report by BFMTV, only 10,000 taxpayers reported cryptocurrency disposals for 2023, resulting in a substantial decrease in cryptocurrency-related tax revenue.

Sharp Decline in Declarations

The 2023 tax returns paint a stark picture of the cryptocurrency landscape, with taxpayers declaring a mere 213 million euros in net capital gains from these digital assets. This figure comprises 245 million euros in gains and 32 million euros in losses, representing a stark contrast to 2022, when 20,000 taxpayers declared net capital gains of 400 million euros.

Diminishing Tax Revenues

The dwindling declarations have had an immediate impact on tax revenues. After applying the flat tax of 30% on cryptocurrency gains, the tax authorities collected approximately 63.9 million euros in cryptocurrency-related taxes. This figure, which has taken a steep downturn compared to the previous year, can be attributed to the extreme volatility that plagued the cryptocurrency market in 2022, marked by the collapse of major exchanges and a significant decline in Bitcoin's value.

Industry Remains Buoyant

Despite these market turbulences, the cryptocurrency industry remains active in France, with a 2024 KPMG study indicating that 12% of French citizens possess crypto-assets. It is important to note that declaring cryptocurrency disposals remains a legal obligation for taxpayers. In France, all sales of these assets for fiat currency or services must be reported to tax authorities. However, exchanges of cryptocurrencies for other cryptocurrencies are not subject to reporting requirements.

The Looming Threat of Tax Evasion

While the official figures paint a dismal picture, a darker reality lurks beneath the surface—the rampant tax evasion that plagues the cryptocurrency sector. Chainalysis estimates that in 2021, French citizens earned over 4 billion dollars, or approximately 3.7 billion euros, from cryptocurrencies. Pierre Morizot, CEO of Waltio, a company specializing in tax compliance, estimates that this tax evasion has deprived the government of 1.2 billion euros in potential revenue.

A Call for Scrutiny

In light of these revelations, questions arise as to whether the cryptocurrency market is in decline or if taxpayers are increasingly seeking ways to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. The government must take immediate action to regulate this burgeoning sector and address the growing issue of tax evasion. The consequences of inaction are grave, as the state is deprived of much-needed revenue that could be used to fund essential public services.

Consequences for the Future

The ongoing decline in cryptocurrency tax declarations and the rampant tax evasion within the sector raise serious concerns about the industry's sustainability and the integrity of the French tax system. The government must act swiftly and decisively to address these issues, implementing measures to curb tax evasion and ensure that all taxpayers contribute their fair share to society. Failure to do so will undermine the legitimacy of the tax system and contribute to a culture of impunity among those engaging in cryptocurrency transactions.

Conclusion

The recent cryptocurrency tax declaration has exposed a worrying trend within the industry. While the decline in declared capital gains may suggest a contraction of the market, the alarming disparity between official figures and estimated earnings points to a widespread problem of tax evasion. The government must take immediate and comprehensive action to address this issue, safeguarding the integrity of the tax system and ensuring that all citizens contribute their fair share to the common good. The future of the cryptocurrency industry in France hinges on the government's ability to effectively regulate the sector and combat tax evasion, ensuring that the benefits of this emerging asset class are equitably shared by all.