Taxation of Cryptocurrencies in Austria (2024 Guide)

Austria has clear tax regulations for cryptocurrencies, treating them similarly to traditional financial assets. Whether you're an individual investor, trader, or business, understanding Austrian crypto taxation laws is essential to stay compliant.

How is Crypto Taxed in Austria?

Austria follows the same taxation rules for cryptocurrencies as stocks and securities under the Income Tax Act (Einkommensteuergesetz, EStG). The key points include:

✅ Crypto is considered an asset, not legal tender
✅ Private investors pay a flat 27.5% tax on capital gains
✅ Crypto-to-crypto swaps are tax-free
✅ Businesses are subject to corporate tax (24% in 2024, reducing to 23% in 2025)

1. Crypto Taxation for Individuals

If you're a private investor in Austria, your crypto activities are taxed based on capital gains (Kapitalertragsteuer, KESt) and income tax rules.

✅ Capital Gains Tax on Crypto Sales (27.5%)

• Selling crypto (BTC, ETH, etc.) for euros or other fiat currencies is taxed at 27.5%.
• This applies to long-term and short-term holdings, meaning Austria no longer distinguishes between assets held for less than a year (since March 2022).
• If crypto is gifted or inherited, tax exemptions may apply.

✅ Crypto-to-Crypto Trades (Tax-Free)

• Swapping Bitcoin for Ethereum or any other crypto-to-crypto exchange is not a taxable event.
• Taxes apply only when crypto is converted into fiat (EUR) or used for payments.

✅ Staking, Lending, and Mining Income (27.5%)

• Earnings from staking, lending, and DeFi are also taxed at 27.5% as capital gains.
• Mining rewards are considered business income and taxed at standard income tax rates (0–55%), depending on the total amount earned.

✅ Salary Payments in Crypto (Income Tax 0-55%)

• If an employer pays salaries in crypto, it is treated as regular income, subject to standard income tax brackets (0% to 55%).

2. Crypto Taxation for Businesses in Austria

If you're running a crypto exchange, mining operation, or blockchain business, your crypto-related profits are subject to corporate tax (Körperschaftsteuer, KSt):

• 2024 Corporate Tax Rate: 24%
• 2025 Corporate Tax Rate: 23%

Businesses must report all crypto transactions, profits, and expenses in their financial statements.

3. VAT (Value-Added Tax) on Crypto Transactions

• Buying and selling cryptocurrencies is exempt from VAT in Austria, following EU guidelines (CJEU ruling, 2015).
• However, businesses providing crypto-related services (e.g., consulting, software development) may need to charge VAT (20%) on their services.

How to Report Crypto Taxes in Austria?

Austrian taxpayers must declare crypto gains in their annual income tax return (Einkommensteuererklärung).

1️⃣ Calculate total crypto gains/losses
2️⃣ Report them under capital gains (KESt) in your tax return
3️⃣ Pay 27.5% tax on fiat withdrawals or staking rewards
4️⃣ Businesses file corporate tax returns (Körperschaftsteuererklärung)

💡 Tip: Use crypto tax software to track transactions and generate reports for tax filings.

Final Thoughts

Austria has a transparent and predictable taxation system for cryptocurrencies, making it a crypto-friendly country for investors and businesses. Key takeaways:

✔ 27.5% flat tax on crypto gains
✔ Crypto-to-crypto trades are tax-free
✔ Mining and business income taxed at corporate tax rates (24% in 2024)
✔ VAT-exempt for crypto trading

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