Colombia Orders Crypto Exchanges to Report User Information

Source: CryptoTale Original Title: Colombia Orders Crypto Exchanges to Report User Information Original Link:

Overview

• Colombia mandates crypto exchanges report user and transaction data to DIAN in 2026.
• The framework targets tax evasion and aligns reporting with OECD global standards.
• Non-compliant platforms face penalties up to 1% of unreported transaction values.

Colombia’s tax authority has imposed mandatory crypto reporting rules, forcing exchanges to share detailed user data with regulators. The National Directorate of Taxes and Customs, known as DIAN, enacted the measure through Resolution 000240 on Dec. 24, 2025. The rule targets crypto tax evasion by requiring platforms to submit transaction and ownership data starting with the 2026 tax year.

Mandatory Crypto Reporting Framework

Under Resolution 000240, DIAN now requires crypto platforms to gather and report user and transaction details. The rule applies to exchanges, brokers, and intermediaries dealing in bitcoin, ether, stablecoins, and other digital assets. It covers both domestic platforms and overseas providers that serve Colombian users.

Notably, DIAN aligned the reporting structure with the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework. The framework standardizes how countries collect and exchange crypto-related tax information. As a result, Colombia now follows the same reporting logic used by several major economies.

The reported data must include account ownership information and tax residence details. Platforms must also report transaction volume, number of units transferred, market value, and net balances. However, DIAN requires the information in structured electronic files for automated processing.

Although the resolution took effect immediately in late 2025, reporting obligations began in 2026. The first full reporting cycle will cover all activity during the 2026 tax year. Platforms must submit that comprehensive filing by the last business day of May 2027.

Before this change, individuals were already reporting their crypto holdings and gains on their personal tax returns. However, DIAN did not receive matching data from exchanges or service providers. This made it harder for authorities to verify the information or spot underreported income.

Under the new rules, DIAN can compare what users report with data submitted by platforms. As a result, crypto activity is now being fully brought into Colombia’s tax system. This change lays the foundation for tougher enforcement in the future.

Compliance Scope and Penalties for Crypto Platforms

The reporting rule applies broadly to anyone involved in handling crypto transactions for people in Colombia. This includes both individuals and companies acting as intermediaries. Foreign platforms that serve Colombian users must also follow these rules.

The regulation covers retail and high-value transactions alike. DIAN will receive alerts for transfers or payments exceeding $50,000. However, smaller transactions will still appear in aggregate reporting files.

The data submission must reflect balances net of commissions and platform fees. Platforms must also report transaction timestamps and valuation metrics. DIAN will process the information electronically using standardized XML formats.

Non-compliance carries financial penalties that may reach up to 1% of unreported transaction values. Mistakes in reporting can lead to the same penalties. According to law firm Holland & Knight, the rules leave very little room for error.

This enforcement setup helps explain the wider crypto environment in the country. The reporting requirement applies to a market that remains active and heavily used.

Colombia’s Crypto Market Size

Despite limited formal regulation, Colombia ranks among Latin America’s most active crypto markets. A Chainalysis report from October 2025 placed Colombia fifth regionally by transaction volume. The country recorded $44.2 billion in crypto transactions between July 2024 and June 2025.

Notably, the report also ranked Colombia as the region’s second-fastest growing market by crypto value received. Only Brazil recorded faster growth during that period. These figures highlight the scale of digital asset use within the country.

However, Colombia does not recognize crypto as legal tender or official currency. Policymakers proposed several crypto bills, but none gained final approval. Banks and financial institutions still face restrictions on crypto-linked activities.

Even so, individuals remain free to buy, sell, and hold digital assets. According to available estimates, more than five million Colombians own crypto. This widespread usage partly explains DIAN’s push for tighter tax oversight.

By adopting the OECD reporting framework, Colombia joins jurisdictions like the United Kingdom and Singapore. The United Kingdom implemented similar crypto tax reporting rules starting Jan. 1, 2026. DIAN’s strategy follows the same push for transparency.

Conclusion

Colombia’s Resolution 000240 makes crypto reporting mandatory for exchanges and intermediaries under DIAN’s supervision. Starting with the 2026 tax year, platforms must submit detailed information about users and their transactions, with penalties for failing to comply. Taken together, the rules, enforcement scope, and market setting show how Colombia is bringing crypto activity into its existing tax system.