Crypto Taxes in Iran: Complete 2026 Guide

Crypto Taxes in Iran: The Complete 2026 Guide

 

Quick Summary

Iran has adopted a restrictive yet pragmatic approach to cryptocurrency. While crypto trading and private payments face limitations, certain activities—such as licensed mining—are permitted under regulation. Iran does not have a dedicated crypto tax law; instead, crypto-related income may be taxed under existing income and corporate tax rules administered by the Iranian National Tax Administration (INTA). Tax treatment depends on whether activities are licensed, income-generating, and traceable within Iran’s tax system.

 

How Iran Classifies Cryptocurrency for Tax Purposes

 

Crypto as a Digital Asset (Regulated, Not Legal Tender)

Cryptocurrencies are not recognised as legal tender in Iran. The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has prohibited their use for domestic payments. However, crypto is treated as a digital asset for specific regulated purposes—most notably licensed mining and certain trade-settlement use cases.

 

Key Legal Framework

Iran’s crypto tax treatment is inferred from existing regulations and guidance, including:

• CBI directives – restrict domestic payment usage and regulate exchanges
• Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade rules – licensing for crypto mining
• Direct Taxation Act – governs individual and corporate income taxation
• Iranian National Tax Administration (INTA) guidance

 

Taxable Crypto Events in Iran

 

1. Licensed Crypto Mining

Crypto mining is legal only with a government-issued license. Income generated from licensed mining operations may be subject to corporate income tax or personal income tax, depending on the operator’s legal status.

 

2. Selling Cryptocurrency

Selling crypto—especially when converted to fiat or used in trade settlement—may be treated as taxable income if it results in measurable economic benefit and falls within regulated activity.

 

3. Receiving Crypto as Income

Crypto received through:

• Mining rewards
• Business services
• Overseas payments or settlements

may be taxable as income based on its value at the time of receipt, subject to licensing and compliance status.

 

4. Business-Level Crypto Activity

Companies engaged in licensed crypto-related operations—such as mining or export settlement—are subject to standard corporate income tax rules.

 

Crypto Tax Rates in Iran

 

Corporate Income Tax

Licensed companies earning income from crypto activities may be subject to corporate income tax, generally at a rate of 25%, unless specific incentives or exemptions apply.

 

Individual Income Tax

Individuals earning taxable income from crypto-related activities may be taxed under progressive personal income tax rates, depending on classification and income level.

 

No Dedicated Capital Gains Tax

Iran does not operate a standalone capital gains tax regime for individuals. Gains are typically taxed as income if they are taxable at all.

 

Reporting Requirements for Crypto in Iran

 

Licensed Activity Reporting

Licensed miners and businesses must report income to the Iranian National Tax Administration and comply with bookkeeping and invoicing requirements.

 

Valuation & Documentation

Taxpayers are expected to maintain documentation showing:

• Licenses and permits
• Income received from crypto activities
• Conversion rates and valuation methodology
• Operational and energy usage records (for mining)

 

Foreign Income Considerations

Income earned abroad or used for trade settlement may be subject to scrutiny depending on remittance, conversion, and regulatory approvals.

 

How Losses on Crypto Are Treated

 

Business Losses

For licensed businesses, operational losses may be deductible against taxable income, subject to general tax rules and proper documentation.

 

Unlicensed Activity

Losses from unlicensed or prohibited crypto activities are not recognised for tax purposes.

 

Special Cases: NFTs, Airdrops & DeFi

 

NFT Transactions

NFTs are not specifically regulated. Any income derived—if monetised and identifiable—may be treated as taxable income, subject to legality and enforcement discretion.

 

Airdrops

Airdropped tokens may be considered incidental income if they have measurable value and are used or converted.

 

DeFi Activity

DeFi participation is largely unregulated and may be restricted. Any identifiable income could be treated as taxable income if detected.

 

How to Prepare Crypto Taxes in Iran

 

Ensure Licensing & Compliance

Only licensed crypto activities—particularly mining—are recognised. Compliance with regulatory approvals is essential before considering tax treatment.

 

Maintain Detailed Records

Accurate records of income, costs, licenses, and valuations are critical for any interaction with tax authorities.

 

Penalties for Non-Compliance

 

Engaging in unlicensed crypto activities may result in fines, seizure of equipment, denial of tax recognition, and potential criminal liability. Tax penalties may also apply for undeclared income.

 

Conclusion

 

Iran’s crypto environment is highly regulated and limited in scope. While licensed mining and certain trade-related uses are permitted, crypto is not legal tender and remains tightly controlled. Tax obligations arise primarily for licensed, income-generating activities under existing tax laws. Careful compliance with both regulatory and tax requirements is essential.

 

References / Sources

 

• Financial Tribune – Cryptocurrency Taxation in Iran
• HKTDC Research – Iran’s Crypto Regulations
• Iranian National Tax Administration (INTA)
• Central Bank of Iran (CBI)