The proposal, which aims to collect over $10 billion in revenue from digital assets, includes the reintroduction of a previously shelved tax regulation on crypto mining. Under this regulation, crypto mining operations would face a progressive tax increase over three years, ultimately reaching a hefty 30% tax rate.
Notably, the resurrection of this tax proposal comes amidst growing speculation about the government’s stance on cryptocurrencies. Pierre Rochard, Vice President of Research at Riot Platforms, suggested that the White House’s budget projections hint at a bullish outlook on Bitcoin, with expectations of its value reaching $250,000 by 2035. This speculation has fueled debates regarding the government’s intentions and predictions regarding the cryptocurrency market.
However, the reintroduction of the proposed tax has faced swift opposition from industry leaders and politicians, including US Senator Cynthia Lummis. Senator Lummis, a known advocate for crypto-friendly policies, has criticized the potential impact of the tax on the country’s crypto industry, highlighting concerns about its damaging effects.
Perianne Boring, Founder and CEO of the Chamber of Digital Commerce, echoed Senator Lummis’s sentiments, labeling the tax regulation as a “politically motivated attempt to pick winners and losers.” Boring emphasized the importance of preserving innovation within America’s crypto sector and vowed to fight against measures that could stifle its growth.
Similarly, the Digital Power Network denounced the tax as “punitive” and “misguided,” arguing that it would hinder an industry that is increasingly powered by renewable energy sources. The coalition expressed disappointment with the government’s apparent efforts to constrain or eliminate the cryptocurrency industry within the US, citing a pattern of regulatory measures aimed at stifling its growth.
Critics also raised concerns about the tax’s impact on miners operating off-grid using renewable energy. Despite their environmentally conscious practices, these miners would still be subject to the proposed tax, further exacerbating the industry’s challenges.
Biden’s 2025 budget proposal aims to generate over $10 billion in revenue from digital assets through regulatory and taxation measures outlined in the document. However, what has garnered significant attention is the resurrection of a previously shelved tax regulation targeting crypto mining operations. Originally proposed as part of the 2024 Budget, the regulation entails imposing a hefty 30% tax fee on all crypto mining activities.
Under the proposed tax scheme, the implementation would be phased in gradually over three years, with the tax rate increasing by 10% each year. This means that miners would face a 10% tax in the first year, escalating to 20% in the second year, and culminating in a 30% tax in subsequent years.
US Senator Cynthia Lummis has voiced her concerns about the potential impact of the proposed tax on the country’s crypto industry, highlighting the government’s seemingly bullish sentiment towards digital assets. Lummis, known for her pro-crypto stance, views the reintroduction of the tax as potentially detrimental to the industry’s growth and innovation.
Industry leaders have also spoken out against the proposal, with Perianne Boring, Founder and CEO of the Chamber of Digital Commerce, denouncing it as a politically motivated attempt to pick winners and losers in the market. Similarly, the Digital Power Network has criticized the tax as punitive and misguided, particularly given the industry’s increasing reliance on renewable energy sources.
The announcement has sparked widespread opposition within the crypto community, with miners and industry stakeholders voicing their discontent with the government’s regulatory approach. Many fear that the proposed tax could undermine the competitiveness of US-based mining operations and deter further investment in the sector.
As the debate over cryptocurrency regulation continues to unfold, the US government faces mounting pressure to reconsider its approach to taxing crypto mining operations. Industry leaders and advocates are calling for a more balanced and supportive regulatory framework that fosters innovation while addressing legitimate concerns about energy consumption and environmental impact.
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