Japan's Cryptocurrency Tax Reform Expected to Implement in 2028

According to PANews, Japanese political sources have indicated that the country's cryptocurrency tax reform, which involves transitioning to a 'separate declaration taxation' system, may not be officially implemented until January 2028. Previously, the market widely anticipated that the new tax system would be introduced in 2027, coinciding with the expected passage of legislation to regulate cryptocurrencies under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. However, political insiders have revealed that the actual progress may be slower than expected. One source stated, 'Currently, there is a lack of basis to expedite the tax reform. The government is more focused on investor protection and needs to observe the situation following the implementation of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act before initiating the new tax system. Based on the normal process, it is expected to be enforced from January 1, 2028.' Japan's current tax system categorizes profits from cryptocurrency transactions as 'miscellaneous income,' which must be combined with wages and other income for taxation purposes, subject to comprehensive taxation with a maximum marginal tax rate of up to 55%, including local resident tax. Industry and investors have long advocated for a tax system similar to stock investments, where cryptocurrency would be taxed at a unified rate of 20% under separate declaration taxation, aiming to reduce tax burdens and promote market development.