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Crypto Groups Challenge Illinois’ New Digital Asset Tax

  • The Crypto Council for Innovation and Blockchain Association have launched another legal challenge against Illinois over its new 0.2% cryptocurrency tax.
  • The two industry groups are taking the state to court over a tax that applies to companies handling or storing crypto for customers in Illinois.
  • In a lawsuit filed Friday, CCI and the Blockchain Association argued that the levy conflicts with the U.S. Constitution, Illinois Constitution and Internet Tax Freedom Act.
  • Their case follows a lawsuit filed last month by the Digital Chamber, which also opposes Illinois’ crypto tax.
  • Ji Kim, head of CCI, said the measure unfairly singles out digital assets because of the technology behind them rather than the transactions themselves.
  • The complaint was filed in Sangamon County and seeks to block the tax, which applies to Illinois-based companies and firms serving state residents that generate more than $100,000 in total receipts.
  • Illinois could collect as much as $60 million from the tax, although critics say companies may still have to pay even when their crypto operations lose money because the levy is based on transactions.
  • Blockchain Association CEO Summer Mersinger warned that the tax could disadvantage digital commerce, create uncertainty and further divide the growing U.S. crypto market.