How do I declare my cryptocurrencies for taxes in Austria? – Bitvavo Help Center

Summary

This article explains how cryptocurrencies are taxed in Austria under the current tax framework introduced by the Ökosoziale Steuerreform 2022. It covers the 27.5 % flat tax on capital income from crypto, the special exemption for assets acquired before 28 February 2021, and how staking rewards earned through Bitvavo’s custodial staking service are taxed when received. You’ll also learn how to download your Bitvavo transaction history and use our partner Blockpit to simplify your tax reporting. This article helps you understand which crypto activities are taxable and how to stay compliant with Austrian tax rules.

Crypto taxation in Austria

In Austria, cryptocurrencies are not recognized as legal tender but are classified as capital assets (Kapitalvermögen).
This means they are taxed under the Ökosoziale Steuerreform 2022, similar to traditional investments such as stocks and bonds.

Do I have to pay taxes when I sell my cryptocurrencies?

Yes. In Austria, profits from selling cryptocurrencies are taxed as capital income at a flat rate of 27.5 %.
This applies regardless of how long you have held the assets.

However, cryptocurrencies acquired before 28 February 2021 may still be sold tax-free if they were held for more than one year, under the former “one-year holding period” rule.

What impact does staking my cryptocurrencies have on taxes?

Staked cryptocurrencies are treated the same as other crypto assets:
when you sell them, any gains are taxed at the flat 27.5 % rate.

If you earn staking rewards through Bitvavo’s custodial staking service, these are considered current income under Austrian tax law and are taxed at 27.5 % when received.
The euro value of the reward at the time of receipt becomes your cost basis for future sales.

How do I track and report my crypto taxes?

You can easily view and download your complete transaction history (deposits, withdrawals, and trades) in your Bitvavo account. Use the CSV export to include this information in your tax return.

To simplify your tax reporting, Bitvavo partners with Blockpit. Blockpit helps you:

Import your Bitvavo data
Classify your transactions according to Austrian tax rules
Generate tax reports automatically

How to download your transaction history

Open the Bitvavo app.
Tap the profile icon in the top-right corner.
Scroll to the "History" section and tap "Download transaction history".
Select the date range and export the file as CSV.

Go to account.bitvavo.com and log in.
Click your profile icon in the top-right corner.
Select "Transaction history".
Click "Export" and choose your preferred date range and CSV format.

Important disclaimer

Note: Bitvavo is not a tax advisor. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Please contact a certified tax advisor for personalized help with your tax return.

FAQs

Do I have to pay tax if I only swap crypto for other crypto?

Yes. Swapping one cryptocurrency for another (for example, Bitcoin to Ethereum) is considered a taxable event in Austria. You must report any gains from this transaction and pay 27.5 % capital gains tax.

Can I deduct losses on my crypto from my taxes?

Yes. Losses from crypto can be used to offset gains from other capital assets. However, they can only be offset against the same type of income (for example, other private capital income). For full details, consult your tax advisor.

Is mining income taxed in Austria?

Yes. Income from mining is considered business income and must be declared. This income is taxed according to the personal income tax scale and may also require you to register a business depending on the scale of your mining activity.