Crypto Taxes in Spain 2026 – Your Complete IRPF Guide

Hacienda has been very clear: crypto is taxable in Spain, and they've been auditing crypto holders since 2021. The IRPF rules aren't that complicated once you understand them – let's break down exactly what you owe and how to report it.

How Spain Taxes Cryptocurrency

Hacienda – the Agencia Tributaria – classifies crypto as an asset, not currency. Gains from selling or trading crypto are capital gains (ganancias patrimoniales) and get reported under IRPF, Spain's personal income tax. They've been auditing crypto holders since 2021, so this isn't theoretical anymore.

Capital Gains Tax Rates in Spain

Spanish capital gains are taxed progressively on the ahorro (savings) base:

• Up to €6,000: 19%
• €6,001 – €50,000: 21%
• €50,001 – €200,000: 23%
• €200,001 – €300,000: 27%
• Over €300,000: 28%

What Counts as a Taxable Event

• Selling crypto for euros or any other fiat currency
• Swapping one cryptocurrency for another – yes, every swap
• Using crypto to pay for goods or services
• Receiving crypto as payment for work (treated as employment income, not capital gains)
• Mining rewards (reported as economic activity income)

Cost Basis Method in Spain

Spain uses FIFO (First In, First Out) and you don't get to choose otherwise. The oldest units you hold are treated as the ones sold first. No LIFO, no HIFO, no Specific ID. Just FIFO.

Modelo 100 – IRPF Filing

Report all crypto gains and losses on Modelo 100 (the annual IRPF return). Each disposal needs: purchase date, cost basis, sale date, sale price, and resulting gain or loss. The filing deadline is typically June 30 for the prior tax year. Don't wait until the last minute – crypto transaction volume can make this time-consuming.

Modelo 720 – Overseas Asset Declaration

Hold crypto on foreign exchanges with a combined value over €50,000? You must declare it on Modelo 720. The penalties for non-disclosure have historically been severe – the Constitutional Court struck down some of the more extreme penalty provisions, but compliance is still mandatory. Get a Spanish tax advisor if you have significant foreign exchange holdings.

Staking and DeFi Income

Staking rewards and DeFi income are treated as income from moveable capital or economic activity income – depending on how active the activity is. Either way, they're taxed when received at fair market value. When you later sell those tokens, any appreciation is also subject to capital gains tax. Two tax events, same asset.

Reporting Tools

Crypto tax software can calculate your FIFO-based gains in a format compatible with Modelo 100. Export your complete transaction history from every exchange you've used and use software that explicitly supports Spanish tax rules. Hacienda expects detailed records.

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