New Zealand vs Venezuela
Crypto regulation comparison
New Zealand
Venezuela
Cryptocurrency is legal in New Zealand and treated as a form of property for tax purposes. The IRD taxes crypto depending on the purpose of acquisition — if bought with the intention to sell, gains are taxable income. New Zealand does not have a formal capital gains tax, but crypto profits are often taxable under income tax rules. Exchanges are not specifically licensed but must comply with AML/CFT requirements.
Venezuela has a unique crypto history. The government launched the Petro (PTR) state cryptocurrency in 2018, backed by oil reserves, though it was widely considered a failure and discontinued. SUNACRIP regulates crypto activities and has licensed mining operations. Venezuelans have high crypto adoption due to hyperinflation, with USDT widely used as a de facto currency. Crypto mining requires a SUNACRIP license.
Key Points
- Crypto treated as property; gains taxable if acquired with intent to dispose
- No formal capital gains tax, but income tax applies to crypto trading profits
- Tax rates from 10.5% to 39% depending on income bracket
- Crypto salary payments are treated as taxable income
- Exchanges must comply with AML/CFT Act and register as reporting entities with DIA
Key Points
- SUNACRIP regulates crypto exchanges, mining, and service providers
- Government-backed Petro cryptocurrency launched in 2018, largely discontinued
- Crypto mining requires SUNACRIP license and registration
- Very high crypto adoption driven by hyperinflation; USDT widely used
- Income from crypto subject to progressive tax rates up to 34%