South Korea confirms 22% crypto tax for 2027
- South Korea kept its 22% crypto tax in its 2026 reform package, with implementation scheduled for 1 January 2027.
- Annual crypto gains above ₩2.5 million will face 20% national tax plus 2% local income tax.
- Parliament can still change the plan, while tax authorities are preparing reporting rules for domestic and overseas transactions.
South Korea confirmed a 22% tax on crypto gains above ₩2.5 million annually will start on 1 January 2027.
The tax was originally planned for 2022 but was postponed three times as authorities developed reporting and administrative systems.
“Delaying or abolishing the tax would break fairness with wage earners and business income taxpayers,” said Finance Ministry official Moon Kyung-ho.
Investors will pay 20% national tax plus 2% local tax, with the first returns due in May 2028.
The National Assembly can still delay or change the tax before implementation as opposition lawmakers continue pushing for its repeal.
South Korea expects OECD reporting rules to provide overseas crypto transaction data from 48 participating jurisdictions starting next year.
Regulators are separately developing a Digital Asset Basic Act covering stablecoins, exchanges, disclosures, internal controls and system resilience.
