India Crypto Tax Calculator
Estimate India crypto capital gains tax using a simplified 2025-26 Central Board of Direct Taxes model.
How to Calculate Crypto Capital Gains Tax in India
India imposes one of the world's strictest crypto tax regimes under Section 115BBH of the Income Tax Act. Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs), including cryptocurrencies and NFTs, are subject to a flat 30% tax on all gains regardless of the holding period or your income level. Crucially, you cannot offset crypto losses against crypto gains or any other income, and the only deductible expense is the cost of acquisition. Additionally, a 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) applies on transfers exceeding ₹50,000 per year.
The India Crypto Tax Estimator applies the Section 115BBH VDA tax model for the 2025-26 assessment year. The calculation is straightforward but harsh: Gain = (Selling Price − Purchase Price) × Quantity. Then, Tax = Gain × 30%. There are no progressive brackets, no holding period discounts, and no annual exemption for crypto gains. Your regular income level does not affect the crypto tax rate at all. The only permitted deduction is the cost of acquisition, meaning you can subtract your original purchase price but nothing else, not even trading fees, blockchain gas fees, or exchange charges. If you incur a loss, it cannot be set off against current crypto gains, future crypto gains, or any other head of income such as salary or business income. The calculator also does not account for the 1% TDS already deducted by exchanges, which you can claim as a credit when filing your return.
Track your gains throughout the year using the PnL calculator so you are prepared for end-of-year tax filing. To work out your cost basis across multiple buys, use the DCA calculator.
India Tax Rules at a Glance
Example Calculations
Example A: Small Crypto Profit
You bought 0.1 BTC at ₹400,000 and sold at ₹600,000. Your salary is ₹800,000/year.
Example B: Large Ethereum Gain
You bought 5 ETH at ₹150,000 and sold at ₹350,000 each. Your income is ₹1,200,000.
Example C: Crypto Loss
You bought 2 BTC at ₹500,000 and sold at ₹350,000. Your income is ₹600,000.
Filing Guide — Central Board of Direct Taxes
Indian taxpayers must report VDA gains in the Schedule VDA section of their Income Tax Return (ITR-2 or ITR-3). The 1% TDS deducted by exchanges can be claimed as a tax credit. The due date for filing is 31 July for non-audit cases, or 31 October if tax audit is applicable. Since losses cannot be carried forward, accurate quarterly tracking is essential. Consider using Indian crypto tax software that complies with CBDT reporting standards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most critical Indian crypto tax mistake is attempting to offset crypto losses against salary or other income, which is explicitly prohibited under Section 115BBH. Another common error is failing to report crypto-to-crypto swaps as taxable disposals. Many taxpayers also incorrectly deduct trading fees or mining expenses beyond the cost of acquisition, which is not permitted. Not claiming TDS credits is another frequent oversight.
Official Resources
The following links point to official CBDT guidance on cryptocurrency taxation in India:
- CBDT Notifications — official income tax notifications including VDA rules
- CBDT Circulars — circulars clarifying crypto tax provisions
Related Resources
Before you can file your crypto taxes, you need to know your profit or loss. Use our PnL Calculator to track gains and losses for every trade.
Read our comprehensive Crypto Tax Guide for a global overview of how cryptocurrency is taxed, including DeFi, staking, and filing best practices.
India Crypto Tax Estimator — FAQ
What is the crypto tax rate in India?
India imposes a flat 30% tax on all gains from Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) under Section 115BBH. This rate applies regardless of your income level, holding period, or whether you are an individual or a company.
Can I deduct trading fees from my crypto gains in India?
No. Under Section 115BBH, the only permissible deduction is the cost of acquisition. You cannot deduct trading fees, gas fees, mining expenses, or any other costs when calculating your taxable VDA gains.
Can I offset crypto losses against my salary?
No. Crypto losses cannot be set off against any other income, including salary, business income, or other capital gains. They also cannot be carried forward to future years.
What is TDS on crypto transfers in India?
A 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) applies to crypto transfers exceeding ₹50,000 in a financial year (₹10,000 for specified persons). The TDS amount can be claimed as a credit when filing your income tax return.
Do I need to pay tax on crypto-to-crypto swaps?
Yes. Swapping one cryptocurrency for another is a taxable VDA transfer. You must calculate the fair market value in INR of the crypto received and pay 30% tax on the gain.
Which ITR form should I use for crypto gains?
Individuals with VDA income should file ITR-2 or ITR-3, depending on their other sources of income. Gains must be reported in the dedicated Schedule VDA section introduced by the Income Tax Department.