Congressman Matt Gaetz has introduced a groundbreaking bill proposing that Americans be allowed to settle their federal income taxes using Bitcoin. This initiative, aimed at fostering innovation and efficiency within the U.S. financial system, seeks to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Under Gaetz’s proposed legislation, the Treasury Secretary would establish a structured framework for accepting Bitcoin as a legitimate form of tax payment. This move is envisioned to provide taxpayers with increased flexibility while positioning the United States at the forefront of technological advancement.
Inspired by his recent visit to El Salvador, where Bitcoin has been adopted as legal tender, Gaetz sees an opportunity for the U.S. to emulate and integrate digital currencies into its national financial ecosystem. His proposal aligns with his longstanding advocacy for cryptocurrency, echoing former President Donald Trump’s support for its growth.
Several U.S. states, including New Jersey, Kentucky, and Colorado, have already begun implementing their own crypto tax regulations. Gaetz’s bill aims to modernize the federal tax system by formally recognizing Bitcoin as a viable method for settling federal income taxes, potentially broadening the adoption of digital currencies.
Currently, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) mandates reporting on digital asset transactions and taxes related to cryptocurrency gains. Gaetz’s bill would expand on this by enabling taxpayers to fulfill their federal tax obligations directly through Bitcoin payments.
If enacted, Gaetz’s legislation would represent a significant milestone in mainstreaming cryptocurrencies within the financial system. It is expected to attract considerable attention from industry stakeholders and the public alike, particularly concerning its impact on evolving regulatory frameworks.
At present, Bitcoin is trading at $61,551, having rebounded from a recent dip to $58,400 earlier in the week, with a 2% increase in the past 24 hours. The market’s response to Gaetz’s bill and its potential implications for Bitcoin’s adoption and value will be closely monitored in the coming months.
Additionally, the House recently passed FIT21, a regulatory bill assigning oversight of crypto trading to either the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This legislation aims to clarify the classification of digital assets as commodities or securities, addressing a significant barrier to industry growth in the U.S.