Indian Compliance & Tax

Is GST charged on crypto exchange trading fees in India?

Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India applies to the service fee a crypto exchange charges, not to the value of the crypto itself. The platform's trading commission, brokerage, or convenience fee is treated as a taxable service, generally at 18 percent, and is collected on top of that fee. For example, on a 100 rupee trading fee you would typically pay 18 rupees of GST, regardless of how the underlying coin performs. This is separate from the 30 percent tax on gains and the 1 percent TDS, which both relate to the transaction value rather than the service fee.

This is general information, not tax advice. Tax rules change and depend on your individual circumstances — verify the current rules or consult a qualified tax professional before acting.