1. A Vision for Economic Leadership
2. Ensuring Stability and Innovation
3. Global Context and Future Implications

The USA Bitcoin Policy group (USABTC) proposes establishing a tax-free zone for Bitcoin transactions in the US to strengthen leadership in the digital economy.

A Vision for Economic Leadership

The USABTC proposal suggests that the creation of such a zone would attract significant investment and encourage wealth growth within a regulated environment. The group argues that a direct government purchase of Bitcoin would be impractical and politically challenging. Instead, the zone would offer tax-free conditions for Bitcoin trading and accumulation, while a redemption tax would provide necessary revenue for federal and state treasuries.

Ensuring Stability and Innovation

USABTC aims to build a pegged Bitcoin system based on a layer-2 solution to ensure efficient and secure transactions. This system would maintain the central role of the dollar while leveraging the potential of Bitcoin. The initiative also emphasizes the protection of self-custody rights, addressing concerns about government overreach prevalent within the cryptocurrency community. The implementation of the zone would begin with President Joe Biden issuing an executive directive to authorize the use of the US Treasury's Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF). The plan includes drafting legal opinions, legislative efforts, and extensive public outreach to gain broad support. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) would collaborate in establishing a robust legal framework and approving the proposed tax structure.

Global Context and Future Implications

The concept of economic free zones for digital assets is not entirely new. Last October, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched the RAK Digital Assets Oasis (RAK DAO), a new economic free zone dedicated to the development of digital assets, Web3, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) companies. The RAK DAO offers businesses complete ownership and the ability to establish their own tax rules and regulatory frameworks, all within the constraints of existing UAE criminal laws. Like the proposed US zone, the RAK DAO aims to attract investors and foster innovation in the digital economy. It has already partnered with several organizations, including the HBAR Foundation and local bank RAKBANK, to support the growth of its ecosystem.

The project to establish a tax-free zone for Bitcoin transactions in the US has the potential to significantly change the country's digital economy and attract investors. Considering the successful examples in other countries, such as the UAE, the initiative may strengthen the US's position in the global digital economy.