Understanding Crypto Mining Taxation in India

As crypto adoption grows, mining has become a go-to method for earning digital currencies. But beyond the rewards, there’s a less talked-about aspect—taxation. In India, crypto miners face specific tax rules that many are still unaware of. This guide shines a light on what those are in order for you to stay ahead. 

What is Crypto Mining?

At its core, crypto mining involves validating transactions on a blockchain network and adding them to the public ledger.Miners use powerful computers to solve complex mathematical problems, and in return, they are rewarded with newly minted cryptocurrency tokens. This process not only secures the network but also introduces new coins into circulation.​

For a comprehensive guide on cryptocurrency mining, read this article: What is Mining in Cryptocurrency? And What You Need to Mine Coins 

Taxation of Crypto Mining in India

In India, the taxation of crypto mining is governed by the Income Tax Act, and the treatment varies based on the nature and scale of mining activities.​

1. Income Tax on Mining Rewards

• Hobbyist Miners: If you’re mining on a small scale without a structured business setup, the rewards you earn are classified under “Income from Other Sources.” In this case, the income is taxed according to your applicable income tax slab rate. Unfortunately, you cannot claim deductions for expenses incurred during mining, such as electricity or equipment costs.​

• Professional Miners: For those operating mining as a business, the income is treated as “Business Income.” This classification allows you to deduct expenses related to mining operations, including electricity bills, hardware depreciation, and maintenance costs, before calculating your taxable income.​

It’s important to note that the fair market value of the mined cryptocurrency on the day of receipt is considered for taxation purposes. This value becomes the cost basis for future transactions involving the mined coins. 

2. Capital Gains Tax on Selling of Mined Crypto

When you decide to sell, trade, or spend the cryptocurrency you’ve mined, any profit arising from the transaction is subject to capital gains tax. As per Section 115BBH of the Income Tax Act:​

• Flat Tax Rate: Crypto earned through mining will be taxed at 30% based on Rule 11UA i.e. fair market value on the day you receive it—whether from a centralized exchange or a decentralized exchange. 

• No Deductions: Apart from the cost of acquisition (i.e., the fair market value at the time of mining), no other deductions are allowed. This means you cannot offset losses or claim expenses related to the transaction.​

• Health and Education Cess: An additional 4% cess is applied on the tax amount.​

 3. Tax Deducted at Source (TDS)

The 1% TDS under Section 194S of the Income Tax Act came into effect on July 1, 2022. This TDS is applicable when you transfer (sell, trade, or spend) your mined cryptocurrency. Simply holding or transferring crypto between your own wallets does not trigger TDS. The 1% TDS is applicable on the transfer of  Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) exceeding ₹10,000 in a financial year for individuals and ₹50,000 for specified persons.

For example, if you mined Bitcoin and later decide to sell it on an exchange, the 1% TDS will be deducted from the transaction amount. This deduction occurs regardless of whether you make a profit or incur a loss on the sale. The TDS is calculated on the total transaction value, not just the gains. 

Example

Let’s say you mined 0.1 BTC on January 1, 2025. On that day, the fair market value of 1 BTC was ₹40,00,000. That means your 0.1 BTC was worth ₹4,00,000 at the time of receipt. This ₹4,00,000 is considered your cost of acquisition.

Now, suppose you decide to sell this 0.1 BTC on March 1, 2025, when the price of 1 BTC has risen to ₹50,00,000. So your 0.1 BTC now sells for ₹5,00,000.

Here’s how the tax works:

• Profit (Capital Gain) = ₹5,00,000 (sale value) – ₹4,00,000 (acquisition value) = ₹1,00,000
• Flat Tax (30%) on Profit = ₹30,000
• Health and Education Cess (4%) = ₹1,200
• 1% TDS on Full Sale Value = ₹5,000 (claimable as a credit when filing your ITR)
• Total Tax Payable = ₹31,200

So, even though you made ₹1,00,000 in profit, you’ll need to pay ₹31,200 as tax. No deductions for electricity, hardware, or other costs are allowed. The rest of the gain—₹68,800—remains yours after accounting for TDS credit.

This example shows how important it is to track the market value of mined crypto on the day you receive it and keep detailed records for accurate tax calculation.

Reporting and Compliance

To ensure compliance with tax regulations:​

• Maintain Records: Keep detailed records of all mining activities, including dates, fair market values at the time of receipt, and any subsequent transactions involving the mined crypto.​

• File Appropriate ITR Forms: Depending on your income sources, you may need to file ITR-2 (for individuals with income from capital gains) or ITR-3 (for individuals with business income).

• Schedule VDA: From the financial year 2023-24 onwards, a separate schedule for reporting income from VDAs has been introduced in the income tax return forms.​

Key Takeaways

• Nature of Mining Activity: The tax treatment of mining income depends on whether it’s a hobby or a business.​

• Tax Rates: Mining rewards are taxed as per individual slab rates (for hobbyists) or business income rates (for professionals), while profits from the sale of mined crypto are taxed at a flat 30% rate, plus cess.​

• No Loss Offsetting: Losses from the transfer of VDAs cannot be offset against any other income.​

• TDS Applicability: A 1% TDS is applicable on certain crypto transactions, which needs to be accounted for during tax filing.​

Conclusion

Crypto taxes in India can feel overwhelming at first—especially when it comes to specific activities like mining. But the truth is, once you break it down, the rules are quite straightforward. If you’re mining as a hobby, your rewards are taxed as income based on your slab. If you’re doing it as a business, it’s treated as business income with allowed deductions.

When you sell or trade the mined crypto, a flat 30% tax applies on the gains—plus an additional 4% health and education cess on that tax. And don’t forget the 1% TDS that kicks in when you sell the asset. 

By maintaining proper records and understanding these basics, you can stay compliant and concentrate on scaling your crypto journey. 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. All content, opinions, and views expressed are solely for general information and do not constitute an offer to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. Tax laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction and may change over time. Cryptocurrency taxation is complex and subject to interpretation. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified tax professional or financial advisor to understand the tax implications specific to your circumstances.