Accounting and Tax Regulation of Cryptocurrencies

Abstract

The digital age creates new concepts, methods, and rules that are affecting the accounting process which presents new challenges in accounting practice. One of the most significant changes and innovations within accounting processing and the financial industry is the emergence of cryptocurrencies that create a completely new financial business concept. Cryptocurrency is the equivalent of electronic money and is completely digital. Cryptocurrencies and transactions with cryptocurrencies are frequent appearances in todayʼs modern business but are not fully regulated. Accounting and tax treatment in the Republic of Croatia and other European Union countries but also beyond is not fully established and adjusted for doing business with cryptocurrencies. Due to the mentioned lack, cryptocurrencies and their transactions require strict regulation and adjustment operations. This article aims to investigate the development of cryptocurrencies and their involvement in the financial industry and business environment, with a focus on the accounting and tax treatment of cryptocurrencies within the accounting profession. Cryptocurrencies are rapidly developing on a daily basis and pose a significant challenge to the financial industry and especially their regulation within the accounting profession. A systematic literature review was undertaken to provide an overview of the related area of cryptocurrencies and their accounting and tax treatment. The terms (“cryptocurrency”) and (“accounting” OR “tax”) were used to collect data. The papers were reviewed to investigate whether a cryptocurrency control system has been established from an accounting and tax point of view and whether it functions as such but also its impact on the financial industry. Results indicate that the main problem that arises around the concept of cryptocurrencies and their accounting and tax treatment is insufficient regulation and inconsistencies in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of cryptocurrencies in the field of accounting at the local but also global levels.