Crypto Tax Filing Survey: "Complex Calculations" Identified as Top Difficulty Among Investors
A survey of Japanese crypto investors reveals that nearly half remain unfiled, with complex calculations and tax burdens acting as primary drivers for considering overseas relocation.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 28, 2026 at 18:12
- 🔍 Collected: May 28, 2026 at 09:20
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 28, 2026 at 09:20 (0 min after Collected)
Jaybe Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Takamatsu, Kagawa; CEO: Takamichi Mizusawa), operator of the crypto news outlet "JinaCoin," conducted an internet survey of 351 Japanese residents aged 20 and over regarding crypto asset tax returns.
Currently, Japan is considering a shift from the current aggregate taxation (up to 55%) to a flat 20% separate tax for crypto transactions starting in 2028. This survey highlights the realities of tax filing among investors, the specific burdens they face, and the extent to which tax pressures drive considerations for moving abroad.
### Key Findings
- **Tax Filing Status**: Out of 144 investors who realized profits (including unrealized gains), 47.2% responded that they have "never filed a tax return."
- **Major Obstacles**: The top difficulty cited was "Complex profit/loss calculations" (85 people), followed by "Management of transaction history" (65 people).
- **Overseas Migration**: 24.0% of all investors have considered moving abroad due to the tax burden. This figure rises to over 40% among those holding at least 100,000 JPY in crypto assets.
### Challenges in Tax Reporting
The survey found that even among those with taxable profits, a significant portion does not file. Unlike traditional securities where brokers handle calculations through "Specified Accounts," crypto investors must manually gather data from multiple exchanges. This complexity, particularly with overseas exchanges and DeFi transactions, creates a high barrier to compliance.
### Impact on Domestic Retention
The tax burden is significantly impacting investor retention. While only 5.3% of those holding less than 100,000 JPY considered moving abroad, 40.6% of holders with balances above that threshold have explored or expressed interest in overseas relocation. The data suggests that for Japan to remain a hub for Web3, tax reform must address not only the rates but also the simplification of the filing process.
Currently, Japan is considering a shift from the current aggregate taxation (up to 55%) to a flat 20% separate tax for crypto transactions starting in 2028. This survey highlights the realities of tax filing among investors, the specific burdens they face, and the extent to which tax pressures drive considerations for moving abroad.
### Key Findings
- **Tax Filing Status**: Out of 144 investors who realized profits (including unrealized gains), 47.2% responded that they have "never filed a tax return."
- **Major Obstacles**: The top difficulty cited was "Complex profit/loss calculations" (85 people), followed by "Management of transaction history" (65 people).
- **Overseas Migration**: 24.0% of all investors have considered moving abroad due to the tax burden. This figure rises to over 40% among those holding at least 100,000 JPY in crypto assets.
### Challenges in Tax Reporting
The survey found that even among those with taxable profits, a significant portion does not file. Unlike traditional securities where brokers handle calculations through "Specified Accounts," crypto investors must manually gather data from multiple exchanges. This complexity, particularly with overseas exchanges and DeFi transactions, creates a high barrier to compliance.
### Impact on Domestic Retention
The tax burden is significantly impacting investor retention. While only 5.3% of those holding less than 100,000 JPY considered moving abroad, 40.6% of holders with balances above that threshold have explored or expressed interest in overseas relocation. The data suggests that for Japan to remain a hub for Web3, tax reform must address not only the rates but also the simplification of the filing process.
FAQ
What is the most common reason for not filing crypto taxes?
The primary reasons are the complexity of profit/loss calculations and the difficulty of managing transaction history across various platforms.
How many investors are considering moving abroad due to tax reasons?
Approximately 24% of experienced investors have considered it. Among those holding over 100,000 JPY in crypto, the number increases to over 40%.
What is the current tax status in Japan for crypto assets?
Currently, crypto gains are subject to aggregate taxation with a maximum rate of 55%, though there are discussions to move toward a 20% flat tax by 2028.