Crypto Taxes in Austria 2026 – 27.5% Flat Tax Explained

Austria reformed its crypto tax law in 2022 with a clear flat tax rate of 27.5%. This English guide covers the Austrian BMF rules, what is taxable, and how to file.

Austria's 2022 Crypto Tax Reform

Austria fundamentally reformed its cryptocurrency taxation effective March 1, 2022. Before 2022, crypto gains were taxed under complex "speculative income" rules with a 1-year holding period exemption. The new law treats crypto similarly to stocks and bonds, applying a flat capital gains tax (KESt) of 27.5%.

The 27.5% Flat Tax (KESt)

Since 2022, gains from crypto disposals are subject to Austria's standard Kapitalertragsteuer (KESt) of 27.5%. This flat rate applies regardless of:

• How long you held the crypto (no holding period exemption)
• The size of the gain
• Your other income level

You can optionally elect to be taxed at the regular income tax rate (Regelbesteuerungsoption) if your marginal rate is lower than 27.5%, which may benefit lower-income investors.

What Counts as a Taxable Disposal

• Selling crypto for euros or other fiat currency – taxable
• Trading one cryptocurrency for another – taxable
• Using crypto to buy goods or services – taxable
• Crypto received as staking rewards – taxable as income at 27.5%
• Simply holding crypto – not taxable

Old Coins vs New Coins (Transitional Rule)

Austria's 2022 reform introduced a distinction:

• "New coins" acquired on or after March 1, 2022: subject to the 27.5% flat tax
• "Old coins" acquired before March 1, 2022 and held for more than 1 year: tax-free under the old regime (grandfathered)
• Old coins held for less than 1 year as of March 1, 2022: taxable under the old progressive income tax rules

Staking and Mining in Austria

Staking rewards received from "new" coins (post-March 2022) are taxed as income from capital assets at 27.5% when received. Mining income is treated as commercial income (Gewerbebetrieb) and taxed at progressive rates. Staking rewards are also subject to a further 27.5% tax when subsequently sold for any appreciation.

Loss Offsetting

Capital losses from crypto can offset capital gains from other securities (stocks, bonds) and vice versa. Net losses can be carried forward within the same asset class but generally cannot offset income from other sources.

Filing Your Austrian Crypto Return

Report crypto gains in your annual Einkommensteuererklärung (E1 or E1a form) under capital income. Austrian banks withhold KESt automatically on Austrian securities, but crypto exchanges typically do not – so you must self-report. Use crypto tax software to calculate your Austrian gains and prepare the required schedule.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. For individual tax advice, consult a licensed tax professional.