Crypto Taxes in Austria 2026 – 27.5% Flat Tax Explained

Austria cleaned up its crypto tax rules in 2022 – gone is the old one-year exemption, in is a flat 27.5% rate on everything. It's simpler than before, but there are still some things that trip people up. Here's the clear English-language breakdown.

Austria’s 2022 Crypto Tax Reform

Austria overhauled its crypto tax rules effective March 1, 2022. Before that, the old “speculative income” framework applied – complex rules with a 1-year holding period exemption. The new regime treats crypto like stocks and bonds: a flat 27.5% KESt (Kapitalertragsteuer). Simpler. Cleaner. Still 27.5%, but at least you know exactly what you’re dealing with.

The 27.5% Flat Tax (KESt)

All crypto disposals since March 2022 face Austria’s standard 27.5% KESt. Flat rate, no exceptions based on:

• How long you held it – no holding period discount
• The size of the gain
• Your other income level

One option: if your marginal income tax rate is actually lower than 27.5%, you can elect the Regelbesteuerungsoption to use your regular rate instead. Useful for lower-income investors.

What Counts as a Taxable Disposal

• Selling crypto for euros or other fiat – taxable
• Trading one crypto for another – taxable
• Using crypto to buy goods or services – taxable
• Staking rewards received on new coins – taxable as income at 27.5%
• Simply holding – not taxable

Old Coins vs New Coins (Transitional Rule)

The 2022 reform created a transitional split:

• New coins (acquired March 1, 2022 or later): subject to 27.5% KESt
• Old coins (acquired before March 1, 2022, held more than 1 year as of that date): tax-free under grandfathering rules
• Old coins held less than 1 year as of March 1, 2022: taxable under the old progressive income tax rules

Staking and Mining in Austria

Staking rewards on new coins are income from capital assets at 27.5% when received. Mining income is commercial income (Gewerbebetrieb) taxed at progressive rates – separate treatment. And watch out: staking rewards that appreciate are taxed again at 27.5% when you eventually sell that appreciation.

Loss Offsetting

Crypto capital losses can offset capital gains from other securities (stocks, bonds) and vice versa. Net losses carry forward within the same asset class. They generally can’t offset income from other sources – you can’t use crypto losses to reduce wage income.

Filing Your Austrian Crypto Return

Report crypto gains in your annual Einkommensteuerklärung (E1 or E1a form) under capital income. Austrian banks auto-withhold KESt on domestic securities – crypto exchanges don’t. You must self-report. Use crypto tax software to calculate 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.