India Crypto Tax Calculator
Estimate your India crypto tax under Section 115BBH of the Income Tax Act. Applies the flat 30% tax on gains from Virtual Digital Assets, 4% Health and Education Cess, and the 1% TDS on transfers over Rs 10,000. Works entirely in your browser — your figures stay private.
How India Taxes Crypto Under Section 115BBH
India introduced a dedicated crypto tax regime in the Finance Act 2022. Section 115BBH classifies cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and other blockchain tokens as Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) and applies a flat 30% tax on income from their transfer, regardless of how long you held them. A 4% Health and Education Cess is added on top of the tax, bringing the effective headline rate to 31.2% (plus applicable surcharge for high earners).
The only deduction allowed is the cost of acquisition. No other expenses — exchange fees, electricity, internet, or mining hardware — can be set off. Losses from one VDA cannot be offset against gains from another VDA or any other income, and they cannot be carried forward to future years.
1% TDS on Crypto Transfers (Section 194S)
Since 1 July 2022, every transfer of a VDA is subject to 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) under Section 194S. The exchange or buyer deducts the TDS at the point of transfer if the cumulative transfer value in a financial year exceeds Rs 10,000 (Rs 50,000 for specified persons like individuals without a business). This TDS is creditable against your final tax liability when you file your Income Tax Return.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Gains in India
Unlike shares or property, holding period does not matter for crypto in India. Whether you hold for 10 days or 10 years, the flat 30% rate applies. This is a departure from general capital gains rules and one reason Indian investors treat VDA positions differently from equities.
What You Need to Report to the Income Tax Department
Crypto income is reported in Schedule VDA of ITR-2 or ITR-3 depending on whether you trade occasionally or as a business. You must list each transaction: date of transfer, date of acquisition, cost, sale consideration, and gain or loss. TDS certificates (Form 26AS or Form 16A) should match your exchange statements. Keep records for at least 6 years after the end of the assessment year.
Last updated: April 2026. Based on Finance Act 2022, CBDT Circular 13/2022, and Section 115BBH. Estimate only — not tax advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crypto tax rate in India?
A flat 30% tax applies to income from the transfer of any Virtual Digital Asset under Section 115BBH. A 4% Health and Education Cess is added on top, making the effective rate 31.2%. A surcharge may also apply for high-income earners.
What is the 1% TDS on crypto in India?
Section 194S requires a 1% TDS on every crypto transfer where the annual cumulative transfer value exceeds Rs 10,000 (Rs 50,000 for specified persons). The exchange or buyer deducts this at the moment of transfer. It is creditable against your final tax liability.
Can I deduct losses from crypto trading in India?
No. Losses from Virtual Digital Assets cannot be set off against gains from other VDAs or any other head of income. They also cannot be carried forward to future financial years — they are effectively lost.
Does holding period affect my crypto tax in India?
No. Unlike shares or property, there is no short-term versus long-term distinction for VDAs. Whether you hold for one day or ten years, the same flat 30% rate applies.
Can I deduct exchange fees or mining costs?
No. Only the cost of acquisition is deductible under Section 115BBH. Exchange brokerage, electricity bills, internet, hardware depreciation, and any other transaction costs cannot be claimed.
How do I report crypto on my Indian tax return?
Report every transaction in Schedule VDA of ITR-2 or ITR-3, including acquisition date, transfer date, cost, consideration, and gain or loss. Reconcile TDS with Form 26AS. Keep supporting records for at least 6 years after the assessment year ends.