Binance and WazirX have been named in India’s recent tax investigation concerning alleged tax evasion amounting to $97 million, according to a statement by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary in Parliament.
The investigation stems from the Indian government’s intensified efforts to regulate and tax the cryptocurrency sector.
In fact, the Indian Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) has been actively probing various cryptocurrency exchanges to ensure compliance with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regulations.
Indian Government Cracks Down on Crypto Tax Evasion
– Major exchanges like Binance and #WazirX owe ₹824 crore (that's $97 Million !) in unpaid GST.
– Other Exchanges that being investigated : CoinDCX and CoinSwitch Kuber #CryptoTax #India #Binance pic.twitter.com/9aSr27U8uH— Chad All-In Top Daily Crypto News (@Chad_allin) December 4, 2024
“Significant Tax Discrepancies”
The report alleges that Binance and WazirX, two prominent cryptocurrency exchanges, have been involved in activities that resulted in significant tax discrepancies.
The investigation suggests that these platforms might have facilitated transactions that were not fully disclosed to tax authorities, leading to a substantial shortfall in GST collections.
WazirX, which was acquired by Binance in 2019, has been one of India’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges.
The platform has seen exponential growth in user numbers and transaction volumes, which has inevitably drawn the attention of regulators.
The DGGI’s focus on WazirX is part of a broader investigation into several crypto platforms operating within India.
This investigation underscores the regulatory challenges faced by cryptocurrency exchanges operating in India.
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India Has Been Oscillating Between Outright Bans And Regulatory Frameworks For Cryptocurrencies
This uncertainty has posed significant operational challenges for exchanges like WazirX, which must navigate complex legal landscapes while maintaining compliance with local laws.
In response to these allegations, both Binance and WazirX expressed their commitment to compliance and transparency.
They emphasize their ongoing cooperation with Indian authorities to resolve any discrepancies and ensure adherence to tax regulations.
The exchanges also highlighted their efforts to implement robust compliance measures. This includes Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols and transaction monitoring systems, to prevent illicit activities on their platforms.
Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is in advanced discussions with multiple nations to expand its cross-border payment platform and establish seamless payment linkages across Asia.
Related: Reserve Bank Of India Expands Digital Payment Connectivity To Asia, Middle East
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