Gain / Loss
3.000,00 €
Holding Period Status
Taxable
Tax Due
0,00 €
How is cryptocurrency taxed in Germany?
In Germany, cryptocurrency is treated as a private sale (privates Veraeusserungsgeschaeft) under s 23 EStG. Gains are tax-free if held for more than 1 year (Haltefrist). If sold within 1 year, gains up to EUR 600 per year are tax-free (Freigrenze, not Freibetrag). Above EUR 600, the entire gain is taxed at your personal income tax rate.
What is the 1-year Haltefrist rule?
The Haltefrist (holding period) is 1 year (365 days). If you hold cryptocurrency for more than 1 year before selling, any profit is completely tax-free, regardless of the amount. This applies per transaction, not per calendar year. The holding period starts from the date of purchase.
What is the EUR 600 Freigrenze for crypto?
The EUR 600 is a Freigrenze (exemption limit), not a Freibetrag (allowance). This means: if your total private sale gains in a year are at or below EUR 600, they are entirely tax-free. But if they exceed EUR 600, the ENTIRE amount becomes taxable - not just the excess. This applies to all private sales combined, including crypto, gold, and other assets sold within 1 year.
Do I need to report crypto losses?
Yes, reporting losses is beneficial. Crypto losses from sales within the 1-year holding period can be offset against other private sale gains in the same year. If you have no gains to offset, losses can be carried back 1 year or carried forward indefinitely. Losses from sales after the 1-year period cannot be used.
Disclaimer: These calculations are estimates based on 2025 German tax rules and should not be considered professional tax advice. Consult a Steuerberater for your specific situation.
How Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other crypto gains are taxed under German law
How are crypto gains taxed in Germany?
Crypto gains are taxed as private Veräußerungsgeschäfte (private sales) under §23 EStG, not as capital gains. This means they are taxed at your personal income tax rate (14% to 45%) rather than the flat 25% Abgeltungsteuer. If you earned €50,000 from your job and made €10,000 crypto profit, the crypto is taxed at your marginal rate of around 35%.
When are crypto gains completely tax-free?
If you hold cryptocurrency for more than one year (Haltefrist), any profit from selling is completely tax-free — no matter how much you earn. This is one of the most generous crypto tax rules in the world. Buy Bitcoin for €5,000, hold it for 13 months, sell for €50,000 — the €45,000 profit is 100% tax-free.
What is the €600 Freigrenze for short-term crypto gains?
If you sell crypto within one year of buying and your total private sale gains are below €600, the entire amount is tax-free. But this is a Freigrenze (exemption threshold), not a Freibetrag (allowance). If you earn €601, the full €601 is taxed — not just the €1 above the limit. Be careful with small trades that could push you over.
How do you track and report crypto for the Finanzamt?
You must report crypto gains in your annual Einkommensteuererklärung in Anlage SO (sonstige Einkünfte). You need records of every purchase date, price, sale date, and sale price. The Finanzamt accepts either FIFO (first in, first out) or specific identification method. Tools like CoinTracking or Accointing can generate tax reports automatically from your exchange data.
Are staking and lending rewards taxable?
Yes, staking and lending rewards are taxable income when you receive them. They are treated as sonstige Einkünfte (other income) and taxed at your personal rate. If you earn €3,000 from staking in a year, this is added to your taxable income. The good news is that the one-year holding period for the received coins starts from the date you get them.
Can you offset crypto losses against gains?
Yes, losses from crypto sales within the one-year holding period can be offset against other private sale gains from the same year. If you lost €5,000 on one coin and gained €8,000 on another (both sold within a year), you are taxed on the net €3,000. Losses cannot be offset against employment income or capital gains from shares.
Is swapping one crypto for another a taxable event?
Yes, exchanging Bitcoin for Ethereum (or any crypto-to-crypto swap) counts as a sale and purchase. If you bought Bitcoin for €1,000, it grew to €3,000, and you swapped it for Ethereum within a year, you have a taxable gain of €2,000. The Ethereum's purchase price is set at €3,000 and a new one-year holding period begins.
Bundesfinanzministerium-Aligned: Based on 2025 Bundesfinanzministerium rates and thresholds. For personal advice, speak to a qualified Steuerberater (tax adviser).
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current German tax rates and thresholds for the 2025 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified tax adviser before making financial decisions. Read our terms
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