Taxes on Cryptocurrencies

The topic of taxes is important, but unfortunately also complex and different in every country. Here is a simplified overview.

Important Notice (Disclaimer)

I am not a tax advisor. The information shared here is from the internet and is for general guidance only. It does not replace professional advice. Tax laws can change. For your individual situation and a correct tax return, **I strongly recommend consulting a tax advisor!**

🇩🇪 Germany

Sale < 1 Year

Profits are taxable at your personal income tax rate.

Sale > 1 Year

Profits are completely tax-free.

  • One-year holding period (Cryptocurrencies): If you hold cryptocurrencies for more than one year, the profits from the sale are completely tax-free.
  • Holding period under one year: If you sell earlier, the profits are taxed at your personal income tax rate (note the exemption limit of €1,000 per year).
  • NFTs: Are generally treated like cryptocurrencies. The one-year holding period usually applies here as well. In unclear cases (e.g., if an NFT generates interest), the situation is more complex.
  • Staking/Lending: Income from these activities is taxable. Whether they extend the holding period to 10 years is disputed. Professional advice is particularly important here. More info here.

🇦🇹 Austria

Crypto to Crypto

A swap between cryptocurrencies is tax-neutral.

Crypto to Euro

Profits are taxed at a flat rate of 27.5% (KESt).

  • Flat tax of 27.5% (Cryptocurrencies): Profits from the sale of cryptocurrencies are taxed at a flat rate of 27.5% (KESt). The holding period is irrelevant for coins purchased after Feb 28, 2021.
  • Crypto to Crypto Swap: Is tax-neutral. The tax is only due when swapping to fiat money (e.g., Euro).
  • NFTs: Are generally not subject to the flat crypto tax. Profits are usually taxed as speculative income at the personal income tax rate if the holding period is less than one year. The legal situation here is particularly complex.
  • More Information: For a detailed overview of the situation in Austria, visit this guide.

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Capital Gains

Profits from selling crypto are tax-free for private individuals.

Wealth Tax

The value of your crypto holdings must be declared as assets.

  • Capital gains are tax-free: For private individuals, profits from the sale of cryptocurrencies and NFTs are generally tax-free.
  • Exception "Professional Trader": If the tax authority classifies you as a "professional trader," all profits become taxable as income.
  • Wealth Tax: You must declare the value of your cryptocurrencies and NFTs at the end of the year (Dec 31) as assets and pay the cantonal wealth tax on them.

Ready for your tax return?

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