Specifics of Cryptocurrencies from an Accounting, Tax and Financial View in a Globalized Environment

Abstract

Research background: With the advancing entrance of digital technologies into all areas of private and business life in the past 10 years a new digital asset referred to as virtual currency or cryptocurrency had been invented. This virtual currency is not yet regulated in most countries and there is a need to establish a legal framework for accounting, taxation and recording of financial transactions so the treatment of transactions with these digital assets is the same across the globalized environment, as different approaches may affect the decision-making of the management and investors or can alter the tax base for income tax purposes. Purpose of the article: The aim of this paper is to compare and discuss the different possible approaches of recording and reporting of the virtual currencies for accounting and tax purposes and to compare the approaches among the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic and Germany to point out the need for a harmonized solution in a global environment, as dealing with cryptocurrencies is not included in the accounting and tax legal framework in many other countries. Methods: Methods of description, analysis, comparison and synthesis are used to achieve the set aim of the paper. Different approaches to the topic are demonstrated and compared in illustrative Tables. Findings & Value added: The paper highlights the need for a uniform approach for the accounting and tax treatment of virtual currency by comparing the level of legal definitions and different approaches. The most elaborate legal implementation of this topic is in the Slovak Republic where the treatment of virtual currencies is included in the Accounting Act and the Income Tax Act. The Czech Republic approaches cryptocurrencies only on the basis of recommendations from the Ministry of Finance, which is not legally binding to obey. Germany has included cryptocurrencies in the Banking Act, the accounting definition is missing and the tax solution is in the Income Tax Act.