Blockchain Technology and General Issue of Tax Evasion via Bitcoin

Abstract

Cryptocurrencies often also serve money laundering activities, terrorist financing, tax evasion, and other illegitimate activities with a market value of more than 7 billion euros across the globe, though the total amount is hardly measurable. Indeed, the blockchain technology involves many virtual currencies, including bitcoin, to conduct various financial transactions related practices throughout the world economies. Besides, other blockchain applications are making positive contributions to a wide array of other industries including healthcare, supply chain, manufacturing, etc. This technology which constitutes the backbone of digital assets transactions currencies is characterized by anonymity, privacy, security, and speed. In this sense, for tax administration authorities, detection of financial fraud and regulations with respect to taxation of virtual transactions pose newer emerging challenges. This chapter aims to examine the blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, especially bitcoin, and look into regulations by world governments to combat tax evasion and illegal transactions.