Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies and tax evasion: A systematic literature review on global approaches to cryptocurrency taxation and the challenges for harmonising regulatory frameworks

Eva Kicova; Juraj Fabus; Natalia Stalmasekova; Terezia Kvasnicova-Galovicova; Eva Kicova; Juraj Fabus; Natalia Stalmasekova; Terezia Kvasnicova-Galovicova

doi:10.3934/DSFE.2025011

Data Science in Finance and Economics

2025, Volume 5, Issue 2: 234-257. doi: 10.3934/DSFE.2025011

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Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies and tax evasion: A systematic literature review on global approaches to cryptocurrency taxation and the challenges for harmonising regulatory frameworks

Faculty of Operations and Economics of Transport and Communications, University of Zilina, 01026 Zilina, Slovakia

Received: 30 December 2024 Revised: 15 April 2025 Accepted: 07 May 2025 Published: 12 June 2025
JEL Codes: H29, G28, O33, G23

Taxing Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies presents a significant challenge due to their decentralised and pseudonymous nature, complicating enforcement and fostering regulatory inconsistencies across jurisdictions. This study systematically reviews the existing literature on cryptocurrency taxation, critically analysing 38 academic studies to identify key themes, challenges, and gaps in global regulatory frameworks. Using a structured seven-step methodology, it examines how jurisdictions approach cryptocurrency taxation, highlighting ten thematic categories, including jurisdictional comparisons, taxable events, and compliance mechanisms. The findings reveal persistent regulatory fragmentation and a lack of harmonisation, underscoring the need for international cooperation to establish coherent tax policies. By synthesising existing research and identifying unresolved issues, this study contributes to the discourse on balancing technological innovation with fiscal accountability, ultimately advocating for a unified, cross-border approach to cryptocurrency taxation.
- Bitcoin,
- blockchain and taxation,
- cryptocurrencies taxation,
- jurisdictional Bitcoin comparisons,
- regulatory frameworks
Citation: Eva Kicova, Juraj Fabus, Natalia Stalmasekova, Terezia Kvasnicova-Galovicova. Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies and tax evasion: A systematic literature review on global approaches to cryptocurrency taxation and the challenges for harmonising regulatory frameworks[J]. Data Science in Finance and Economics, 2025, 5(2): 234-257. doi: 10.3934/DSFE.2025011

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Abstract

Taxing Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies presents a significant challenge due to their decentralised and pseudonymous nature, complicating enforcement and fostering regulatory inconsistencies across jurisdictions. This study systematically reviews the existing literature on cryptocurrency taxation, critically analysing 38 academic studies to identify key themes, challenges, and gaps in global regulatory frameworks. Using a structured seven-step methodology, it examines how jurisdictions approach cryptocurrency taxation, highlighting ten thematic categories, including jurisdictional comparisons, taxable events, and compliance mechanisms. The findings reveal persistent regulatory fragmentation and a lack of harmonisation, underscoring the need for international cooperation to establish coherent tax policies. By synthesising existing research and identifying unresolved issues, this study contributes to the discourse on balancing technological innovation with fiscal accountability, ultimately advocating for a unified, cross-border approach to cryptocurrency taxation.

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