GST on crypto in India

Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India applies to the services crypto platforms provide, not to the value of the crypto you buy or sell. Exchanges charge 18% GST on their fees, including trading fees, and many also apply it to withdrawal, deposit, staking and other service charges.

For example, if you pay a ₹1,000 trading fee, you will be charged an extra ₹180 as GST. In 2025, several offshore exchanges serving Indian users also started charging 18% GST on fees, bringing them in line with Indian platforms.

GST is separate from income tax. On a typical crypto sale in India, you may face GST on the platform's fee, 1% TDS on the sale value (claimable as a credit) and 30% income tax plus cess on any gain. These layers mean the true cost of frequent trading can be far higher than the headline fee. Your exchange's invoice or tax report should show GST charged.