• Congressman Gaetz introduces legislation for the IRS to accept Bitcoin tax payments. 

  • The proposed bill aims to promote efficiency and flexibility for American taxpayers.

  • Gaetz was inspired by El Salvador’s success with Bitcoin as a legal tender.

Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) recently introduced legislation that would require the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to accept federal tax payments in Bitcoin. The proposed bill aims to promote innovation, increase efficiency, and offer more flexibility to American citizens.

BREAKING: US Congressman Matt Gaetz introduces bill to allow federal income tax to be paid with #Bitcoin pic.twitter.com/mcflCTQejI

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) June 25, 2024

If enacted, taxpayers would be allowed to use Bitcoin for their federal tax obligations. Gaetz believes that this move would not only keep the United States at the forefront of technological advancement but also enhance economic stability and job creation. 

El Salvador Influence

A recent visit to El Salvador, where Bitcoin became legal tender in 2021, leading to positive economic impacts in Central America. The bill directs Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to develop a plan for accepting Bitcoin as a legitimate form of currency for tax payments. 

Interestingly, Secretary Janet Yellen has historically been critical of cryptocurrencies, making this proposal a significant shift in integrating digital currencies into the mainstream financial system.

Gaetz’s initiative follows similar actions by several U.S. states. 

Colorado blazed the trail by approving crypto payments for taxes in 2022, while Louisiana recently passed legislation protecting the right to self-custody and mine crypto. Also, other states, including Texas, Utah, New Jersey, and Kentucky, are exploring similar policies.

The bill arrives amidst ongoing debates in Congress about how to regulate the burgeoning crypto industry. The House recently passed FIT21, a regulatory framework bill that grants either the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) full oversight of crypto trading.

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