Cryptocurrencies refer to digital or virtual assets backed by a unique digital registration system known as blockchain. These are decentralized and not controlled by a central entity; their value fluctuates according to supply and demand.
In Chile, cryptocurrencies are not considered legal tender or foreign currencies. Some examples of cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC), among others.
Any gain obtained by selling cryptocurrencies is considered taxable income. The way to declare these gains depends on whether you are a natural person (Global Complementary or Additional Tax, as applicable) or if you sold them as a company.
In the first case, as a natural person, you must be taxed with the Global Complementary Tax based on the income received or with the Additional Tax if you are not a resident of Chile. This is done on line 10, code [1032] “other Chilean source income subject to IGC or IA.”
In the case of legal entities that have cryptocurrencies assigned to their businesses, they must be taxed through the First Category Tax. In addition, they must consider the Global Complementary Tax or Additional Tax when withdrawing cryptocurrencies.
A company with residence in Chile is subject to the First Category Tax and Global Complementary Tax or Additional Tax, depending on its corresponding tax regime. On the other hand, a company without residence in Chile is subject to the First Category Tax and Additional Tax in the same tax year.