Japan's Cryptocurrency Tax Complexity Drives Investor Concerns

According to ChainCatcher, a national survey in Japan reveals that 22.2% of former cryptocurrency holders cite the complexity of the tax system as their primary reason for exiting the market, while 19.4% attribute their decision to price volatility. Current digital asset investors identify volatility (61.4%) and tax complexity (60%) as their main challenges. In Japan, cryptocurrency earnings are classified as 'miscellaneous income,' with tax rates reaching up to 55% after local taxes. Investors are required to track each transaction, calculate gains and losses in yen, and report annually. This administrative burden often outweighs investment returns, despite 62.7% of investors citing long-term wealth accumulation as their primary investment goal, compared to only 15.1% focusing on short-term speculation. Additionally, reports indicate that Japan's Financial Services Agency plans to reclassify 105 cryptocurrencies as financial products and reduce the maximum tax rate on cryptocurrency earnings from 55% to 20%, aligning it with stock market tax policies. This reform proposal is expected to be submitted for legislative review in 2026.