Centre notifies new rules to bring cryptocurrency, digital wallets under tax scanner

The Central Government on Thursday announced new income tax rules that will bring cryptocurrency traders, digital wallet users and holders of the digital rupee under a stricter tax reporting net for the first time.

The changes, published in the official Gazette of India, come into effect from January 1, 2026.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), which functions under the Finance Ministry, issued the notification amending the Income Tax Rules, 1962. The move brings India’s tax framework in line with international standards being adopted by countries across the world to track digital money flows and prevent tax evasion.