India crypto tax calculator
Estimate your tax on crypto profits under India's 30% VDA rules, including cess, surcharge and TDS. Free, and nothing you type leaves your browser.
Your trades (in ₹)
One row per sale or swap. Cost = what you paid for the coins you sold. Sale value = what you got. Swapping one coin for another also counts as a sale.
| Note | Cost | Sale value | Gain / loss |
|---|
Your estimate
The 1% TDS estimate ignores thresholds and exchange-specific details, so use your real statement where you can. Airdrops, mining and staking rewards are usually treated differently: see the guide below.
How crypto is taxed in India: the short guide
India treats crypto as a virtual digital asset (VDA). The key rules for gains from selling or transferring VDAs are below. They are summarised for understanding, not as advice.
1. Flat 30% on gains
Profit on a VDA transfer is taxed at a flat 30%, plus 4% cess on the tax (and surcharge if your income is high). There is no slab benefit and no lower long-term rate, even if you held the coin for years.
2. No loss set-off
A loss on one VDA cannot be set off against a gain on another, and it cannot be carried forward. Tax is effectively worked out on your profitable transactions only. Example: you gain ₹1,00,000 on one coin and lose ₹40,000 on another. You are taxed on ₹1,00,000 (tax ₹30,000 plus cess ₹1,200 = ₹31,200), not on ₹60,000.
3. Only the cost of acquisition is deductible
You subtract what you paid for the coins. Other costs such as trading fees, gas, or hardware and internet are generally not deductible. Keep clear purchase records for every coin you sell.
4. 1% TDS on transfers
Indian exchanges generally deduct 1% TDS on the sale value above the applicable threshold. This is an advance on your tax, not an extra tax. It shows in Form 26AS / AIS and is adjusted when you file. Trading on foreign or peer-to-peer platforms can mean you must handle the TDS and reporting obligations yourself, so get advice.
5. Crypto-to-crypto swaps count
Swapping one coin for another is a transfer. The gain is measured at the value of what you receive versus the cost of what you gave up, even if no rupees touch your bank account.
6. Airdrops, mining, staking and gifts
These are not the same as a sale. In general, tokens received for free (airdrops, mining, staking or gifts) may be taxed as income at their market value when you receive them, at your normal slab rate, and that value then becomes your cost when you later sell. Treatment can depend on the details, so ask a CA before you rely on this. Our calculator above covers sales and swaps only.
7. Reporting your crypto
Crypto gains are reported in your income tax return in the dedicated Schedule VDA. Late or incorrect reporting can attract penalties, so file on time and report accurately.
8. Records to keep
- Date, coin, quantity and rupee value of every buy, sell and swap.
- Exchange statements, wallet transaction hashes and TDS certificates.
- The market value of any airdrop or reward on the day you received it.
Worked example
- Trade A: bought for ₹2,00,000, sold for ₹3,00,000 → gain ₹1,00,000.
- Trade B: bought for ₹1,00,000, sold for ₹60,000 → loss ₹40,000 (ignored for tax).
- Tax on gains: ₹1,00,000 × 30% = ₹30,000. Cess 4% = ₹1,200. Total ≈ ₹31,200.
- TDS at 1% of the ₹3,60,000 total sale value ≈ ₹3,600 is credited, leaving about ₹27,600 to pay.
Frequently asked questions
How much tax do I pay on crypto profits in India?
Gains from selling or transferring a virtual digital asset (VDA) are taxed at a flat 30%, plus 4% health and education cess and any applicable surcharge. There is no lower long-term rate and no slab benefit.
Can I set off crypto losses against gains?
No. Under the current rules a loss on one VDA cannot be set off against a gain on another VDA or against other income, and it cannot be carried forward. This is why you can owe tax even when your overall result is flat or negative.
What is the 1% TDS on crypto?
Indian exchanges generally deduct 1% TDS on the sale value of a VDA transfer above the applicable threshold. It is not an extra tax: it is credited against your final tax liability when you file your return.
Can I deduct fees, gas or internet costs?
Generally only the cost of acquisition can be deducted. Other expenses such as exchange fees, gas, or device and internet costs are not allowed as deductions. Confirm your exact case with a tax professional.
Information only, not tax or legal advice. Rules may have changed since this page was written, so always verify with the Income Tax Department or a qualified professional.