CCI and Blockchain Association Sue Illinois Officials Over Planned 0.2% Digital Asset Transaction Tax

Crypto industry groups Crypto Council for Innovation (CCI) and the Blockchain Association (BA) have filed suit against Illinois officials seeking to block the state's proposed 0.2% tax on cryptocurrency transactions. The levy is scheduled to take effect in January 2027 and would be assessed on transaction volume rather than income. The groups filed their complaint in the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court of Sangamon County, arguing the measure violates the U.S. Constitution, the Illinois Constitution, federal and state due process requirements, and the Internet Tax Freedom Act. The complaint also warns the structure could lead to double taxation. According to the filing, the tax language is overly vague, creating compliance burdens for residents and brokers and exposing them to potential civil and criminal penalties. Blockchain Association CEO Summer Mersinger said Illinois cannot impose a tax framework that discriminates against digital commerce and adds uncertainty for consumers and businesses. The Digital Chamber brought a separate lawsuit in July challenging the same tax, also alleging discrimination against digital asset traders.