How is crypto taxed in Botswana?

Botswana has no specific crypto tax as of October 2026, so crypto is handled under the general Income Tax Act. Local tax advisers say the treatment depends on why you hold the crypto. An investment is treated under capital gains rules, while regular trading is taxed as income.

Is there a crypto tax in Botswana?

Not a dedicated one. In a March 2025 column for The Business Weekly & Review, tax advisers Jonathan Hore and Gavin Mashiri said the Income Tax Act does not single out virtual assets. They argued its references to "any property" are wide enough to cover them. They cited no BURS guidance on crypto, and we found none.

How is crypto tax in Botswana calculated?

According to that column, it depends on purpose:

• Crypto held as a capital asset for growth is subject to capital gains tax when sold. Only 75% of the gain is taxed.
• Crypto held as trading stock is taxed under personal or corporate income tax on the full profit.
• Tax applies only to realised gains, meaning actual disposals.

PwC confirms the 75% inclusion for gains other than on immovable property and says gains are taxed on a progressive table, topping out at 25%. PwC lists immovable property and marketable securities as the assets covered, so applying capital gains tax to crypto is the advisers' interpretation rather than a stated rule. Botswana taxes on a territorial basis, meaning Botswana-source income. Resident individuals pay up to 25% and companies pay a flat 22%, PwC says. For working out a gain, see what is crypto cost basis.

Does VAT apply to crypto in Botswana?

The same column says the VAT Act does not call crypto money, but buying, selling and gains on crypto are generally outside VAT. Fees or commissions a VAT-registered business earns on crypto deals are subject to VAT. A business must register for VAT once its annual turnover reaches or is expected to reach P1 million.

What does the Botswana Virtual Assets Act do?

It licenses crypto businesses rather than taxing them. NBFIRA's FAQ says crypto service providers and token issuers need a licence, wherever they operate from, and lists possible tax evasion as one reason for regulating them. Individuals can own crypto, but it is not legal tender. More is in is crypto legal in Botswana, and comparisons are in how crypto is taxed in South Africa and crypto tax around the world.

Rules differ by country and change often. Check the tax authority or a qualified professional for your own situation.