Legal status of cryptocurrency in 2026: property, not a means of payment
What does the law say?
In 2026, cryptocurrency is legal in Russia, but it is not recognized as money. In accordance with Federal Law No. 259-FZ, digital currency is classified as property, not as a means of payment. A similar approach is enshrined in the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, where cryptocurrency is classified as an object of civil rights.
This means that cryptocurrency is not illegal and can be owned by individuals and businesses, but it is subject to a special legal regime that differs from the regulation of ruble and non-cash payments.
What types of operations can be done legally?
Buying and selling
Individuals and organizations have the right to legally buy and sell cryptocurrency, including through exchange services and platforms, in compliance with legal and tax accounting requirements.
Storage and investment
Storing cryptocurrency in wallets and using it for investment purposes is permitted. Digital assets can be accounted for as part of personal or corporate property.
Gifting and inheritance
Since cryptocurrency is recognized as property, it can be gifted and included in the estate with mandatory declaration.
Main restriction: ban on domestic payments
Despite its legal status, cryptocurrency is not a legal tender in Russia. The law prohibits its use to pay for goods and services between residents of the Russian Federation — the ruble (cash, non-cash, and digital) remains the only legal tender. This approach allows the state to control money circulation and the tax system without banning digital assets themselves.
Legal mining in 2026: new rules of the game
For individuals: limits and conditions
Mining for individuals is not prohibited if it is carried out within the limits of domestic energy consumption and does not bear the hallmarks of entrepreneurial activity. In this case, registration is not required. Exceeding the limits or receiving systematic income may lead to the reclassification of the activity as a business.
For businesses (sole proprietors and LLCs): registry and control
For individual entrepreneurs and legal entities, mining is considered as regulated economic activity in accordance with Federal Law No. 221-FZ. In 2026, registration in a special register with the participation of the Ministry of Digital Development and the Federal Tax Service is required. Failure to register while actually working increases the risk of inspections, fines, and additional charges.
Territorial and professional restrictions
In a number of regions of the Russian Federation, there is a complete ban on mining until 2031, while in others there are seasonal restrictions due to the load on the power grid. Restrictions are also in place for individuals with convictions for economic crimes and organizations associated with the energy sector.
Taxation: how to pay the government in 2026?
Basic principle: income tax
The tax base is defined as income from sales minus verified expenses for the purchase or mining of cryptocurrency. In the absence of documents, the tax is calculated on the entire amount of income.
2026 Rate Table: Payment Responsibilities and Amounts
| Entity | Tax regime | Rate | How it is calculated |
| Individuals | Personal income tax | 13% / 15% | From profit (income minus verified expenses) |
| Individual entrepreneurs | Simplified taxation system “income” | 6% | From income |
| Individual entrepreneurs | Simplified taxation system “income minus expenses” | 15% | From the difference between income and expenses |
| Individual entrepreneurs / LLCs | Standard taxation system | 20% | Income tax |
Special rule of the Federal Tax Service: market price control (±20%)
The Federal Tax Service has the right to adjust the tax base if the transaction price deviates by more than 20% from the market level, calculating the tax based on the average market value.
Reporting and deadlines: what, where, and when to submit?
For individuals (3-NDFL until April 30, 2027)
Income from cryptocurrency transactions is declared via 3-NDFL until April 30, 2027. This is the deadline for filing a tax return for income received in 2026.
For businesses (USN/profit declarations)
Businesses report income from crypto transactions in standard tax declarations under the applicable regime.
What is strictly prohibited? Risk areas
Internal settlements and advertising
Settlements in cryptocurrency for goods and services within Russia are prohibited, as is advertising cryptocurrency as a means of payment.
Unacceptable tax regimes
Professional income tax (PIT) for self-employed persons
Income from cryptocurrency cannot be taken into account under PIT.
Patent (PSN) and Automated USN (AUSN)
Cryptocurrency activities are not permitted under PSN and AUSN.
Liability for violations
Fines and penalties from the Federal Tax Service
Concealing income may result in additional charges, fines, and penalties.
Criminal liability for large-scale non-payment
Significant amounts of unpaid taxes may result in criminal liability.
Trends and prospects for 2026–2027
Investment law and exchange licensing
The regulator is moving towards creating a legal investment market for digital assets with platform licensing and admission of qualified investors.
Cross-border payments: A legal tool for business
Under an experimental legal regime, cryptocurrency is used for cross-border business settlements without violating the domestic ban on payments.
Tighter controls: Asset seizure and new penalties
At the same time, controls over illegal trafficking, unreported income, and violations of regional restrictions are being tightened.
Conclusion: How to operate legally and safely in 2026?
Key principles for every market participant
Pay taxes, do not use cryptocurrency for internal settlements, take regional restrictions into account, and keep supporting documents for transactions.
Why is it important to choose professional services?
Working with digital assets involves not only market risks, but also legal and tax requirements. Using professional infrastructure helps to reduce these risks.
Transaction security: working through verified platforms with KYC
Verified platforms with identification (KYC) and internal control procedures help minimize the likelihood of blockages, disputes, and claims from banks and counterparties.
Operating within the legal framework
Using services that comply with Russian legislation simplifies transaction accounting, exchange rate recording, and data preparation for tax reporting.
The Bitbanker platform provides a wide range of legal and accessible solutions for exchanging, accounting for, and managing digital assets within the framework of current regulations: