Australian cryptocurrency owners need to be aware of their profits and whether they incur tax, experts have warned.
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A recent study by the University of Queensland found that 1.5 million Australian cryptocurrency owners are uncertain whether their digital assets are tax-free.
The Tax Office would pursue all cryptocurrency owners who failed to meet their tax obligations, according to the study.
The study also noted cryptocurrency owners were set to find out the “hard way” that their assets are not tax-free, as the 31 October deadline loomed.
The research consisted of 745 coin holders and found that 66 per cent were aware they would need to pay tax on their cryptocurrencies if sold at a profit.
Eight per cent were unaware they would need to pay tax and a further 25 per cent were unsure.
It was highlighted that 64.5 per cent of the ‘unsure’ group were women.
The study said with an estimated 4.5 million cryptocurrency owners in Australia, 33 per cent would be unclear on tax obligations.
This would equate to 1.5 million coin holders who wouldn’t have budgeted for the required tax payments.
“Australians may not be fully aware of the potential tax consequences and may experience adverse events, which leave them financially vulnerable,” the study said.
“If investors are not aware, they may omit this on their annual tax return and be contacted by the Australian Taxation Office later when discovered.”
Results demonstrated that 49 per cent of ‘unaware’ respondents were tertiary educated, which experts noted as “surprising.”
Following the study, experts warned cryptocurrency owners to conduct due diligence before investing and to educate themselves on potential risks and how to avoid them.
Leading crypto analyst Sydel Sierra said it is vital coin holders understand the rules around cryptocurrency and that ignorance was no excuse.
“The reality is that cryptocurrencies are treated as personal income in Australia rather than a currency, which means when you sell, it will be subject to tax if there’s a capital gain,” Sierra said.
“This might come as a shock or frustrating if you didn’t know the ATO would come knocking, but the plus side is that the taxman only takes a percentage, not the whole lot.”
Taxable crypto amounts relied on personal income and would be treated as part of it, according to Sierra.
“If you’re a high earner in the top bracket, you’ll pay 45 cents to the dollar on your gains – that’s your reward for being independently wealthy.”
“The asterisk to all this is, if you sell your crypto after holding it for longer than a year, you’ll be eligible for a 50 per cent discount, meaning only half of your profits would be taxed.”
Imogen Wilson
28 October 2024
accountantsdaily.com.au
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Avi Paluch became a partner in 1975. His client base comprises of professionals in a diverse range of industries, sole traders, national, multi-national and international groups in relation to taxation and management issues.
His clients also include large family groups and high net worth individuals. In addition, he is involved in a range of audits. Avi currently involves himself in various community boards in the capacity of honorary treasurer.
His other interests are being with his family and attending sports events.
Andrew Goldberger joined Guests in 1987. Prior to that he occupied a senior position with the Australia Taxation Office. As well as looking after a diverse range of groups of SMEs and high wealth individuals, Andrew is an expert in taxation. He has been involved in a number of Large Income Tax and State Revenue Audits and provides advice on various technical tax issues and areas of tax planning. Andrew also consults to other practitioners in these areas.
Andrew has also written articles for various taxation publications including CCH and participated in taxation focus groups. He is regularly called on to address various public practitioner groups on taxation matters and has conducted training sessions for CPA Australia.
Moshe joined Guests Accounting in 1985 and has more than 40 years of extensive experience. He has an indepth understanding of business and is responsible for a diverse group of clients and is in charge of the Superannuation Team and the Audit of superannuation funds.
Moshe’s knowledge in many different areas including business structuring, accounting, taxation, auditing, SMSFs and business planning in various industries enables him to provide advice on ‘the big picture’, taking into account both present and future needs of clients.
Moshe has been involved in various not-for-profit organisations during his career in an honorary capacity. This has given him a good grounding in the corporate governance area. Moshe continues his interest in the new regulatory environment of the not-for-profit sector.
Mory graduated from Monash University in 1979 and joined our team with more than 20 years experience. He is a member of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the CPA and a Fellow of the Association of Taxation and Management Accountants.
After more than 18 years experience with a Chartered firm, Mory travelled to the United Kingdom and gained invaluable experience working with various Accounting and Legal firms in London, developing operating systems and in investigative accounting roles.
Mory joined Guests in March 2002 and became a partner in July 2005, specialising in Taxation and Business Services. Mory has also served on the executive of community boards and not-for-profit organisations.
Gary Bryfman is a FCPA, having a Masters Degree in Taxation. His earlier accounting background was in industry, specialising in costing and budget preparations.
He has been a partner of Guests for 31 years. Gary has been involved in a number of Jewish organisations, including JCCV as honorary treasurer; CSG, JEMP and advisor to MDA executive.
Boruch brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our team, having demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in accounting and taxation matters over the years. His commitment to providing outstanding client service that is solution- and results-focused has been attributed to our clients’ success.
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