New Tax Regulations for Cryptocurrency in Colombia
In a move to enhance tax regulation and traceability in the cryptocurrency sector, Colombia’s National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN) has mandated that operators of digital asset platforms must collect and disclose detailed information about their users. This requirement stems from Resolution 000240, which was enacted on December 24, 2025, and is set to take effect starting the 2026 tax year.
Scope of the New Regulations
The new regulations encompass transactions involving popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ether, and various stablecoins. Under these rules, exchanges and other intermediaries operating within Colombia must gather specific information, including:
- User identification
- Transaction amounts
- Quantity of cryptocurrency exchanged
- Market value of these transactions
- Account balances
The primary purpose of these measures is to combat tax evasion while promoting greater transparency in the digital asset landscape. The Colombian policy aligns with the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework established by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), providing a standardized approach for international digital asset reporting.
Impact on Foreign Operators and Reporting Obligations
This regulation not only applies to Colombian entities but also affects foreign operators providing services to Colombian taxpayers, thus broadening its scope. Entities will be required to submit their first comprehensive reports for the entire 2026 calendar year by May 31, 2027, which marks the formal start of the reporting obligations.
Changes in Reporting Responsibilities
Before this regulation, individual cryptocurrency holders were responsible for reporting their digital assets on personal tax returns, but there was no obligation for platforms to report their users’ activities, often resulting in less accountability. Now, the DIAN has introduced a system of penalties to enforce these new rules, where non-compliance or inaccurate reporting could lead to fines reaching up to 1% of the unreported transaction values.
Market Implications
The Colombian cryptocurrency market, notable for being the fifth largest in Latin America by transaction volume, is expected to experience increased oversight and regulation as these rules are implemented following an analysis by Chainalysis, highlighting transaction activity from July 2024 to June 2025.
