Filing your crypto taxes in the Netherlands can feel confusing, especially with the mix of wealth and income tax rules. Whether you’re holding Bitcoin in a Dutch exchange or earning staking rewards through DeFi, the Belastingdienst expects every detail reported correctly. But figuring out what goes in Box 1 or Box 3, and how to calculate fictitious or actual returns, isn’t always clear.
That’s where this guide helps. In the sections ahead, you’ll learn when to pay tax, how to calculate your crypto value as of January 1, which forms to fill out, and what the Belastingdienst looks for. From wealth tax examples to income reporting steps, we’ll cover everything you need to declare your crypto confidently.
How Different Crypto Transactions are Taxed in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, how you’re taxed on crypto depends on the type of transaction. While most holdings are taxed under Box 3 (wealth tax), certain activities like earning crypto for work or frequent trading may fall under Box 1 (income tax). The table below outlines how common crypto activities are classified and taxed by the Belastingdienst.
Transaction Type | Tax Classification | Details |
Buying and Selling Crypto | Box 3 – Wealth Tax | No tax on buying/selling, but holdings on January 1 must be declared. |
Crypto-to-Crypto Trades | Usually Box 3, Box 1 if professional | Treated like holding/selling. Frequent trading may push you into Box 1. |
Spending Crypto on Goods and Services | Box 3 – Wealth Tax | Treated the same as selling crypto. Value of goods/services equals the taxable value. |
ICO Participation | Box 3 – Wealth Tax | Treated as crypto-to-crypto trade. Tokens received must be valued and declared under Box 3. |
Transfers Between Wallets | Not Taxable | Moving crypto between personal wallets or exchanges is not a taxable event. |
Lost or Stolen Crypto | Still Taxable (Box 3) | If held on January 1, the value is taxable even if lost/stolen later. |
Gifting and Receiving Crypto | Gift Tax (Schenkbelasting) | Gifts are tax-free up to €2,418 (€6,035 if from parents). Above that, gift tax applies. |
Donations in Crypto | Tax-Deductible (Conditions Apply) | Can be deducted if the donation is periodic or exceeds a minimum threshold based on your income. |
Airdrops and Hard Forks | Box 3 – Wealth Tax | Belastingdienst recommends declaring these under Box 3. Use the January 1 value for reporting. |
Staking and Lending | Box 3 – Wealth Tax | Rewards are treated as returns on assets and taxed under Box 3. |
Referral and Reward Programs | Box 3 – Wealth Tax (Not Box 1) | Usually not seen as income; rewards are considered wealth and declared under Box 3. |
Margin, Futures, Derivatives | Box 3 – Wealth Tax or Box 1 if professional | Normally taxed under Box 3. However, if your trading resembles a business, profits may be taxed under Box 1. |
NFT Holdings as Investments | Box 3 – Wealth Tax | Most NFTs are treated as investments. Value on January 1 must be reported. Exceptions may apply for art not held as an investment. |
When Do You Pay Income Tax (Inkomstenbelasting) on Crypto?
In the Netherlands, certain crypto activities can trigger taxation under Box 1 (Income from Work and Home). This depends on how the crypto was acquired and whether it relates to active income-generating work. Below are the most common use cases where income tax applies to crypto transactions.
Receiving Crypto for Work or Services
If you receive cryptocurrency as payment for employment, freelance work, or any professional service, it qualifies as regular income and must be declared under Box 1.
For instance, if you’re a graphic designer paid in Bitcoin for a project, the fair market value of the BTC in euros at the time of receipt counts as taxable income. You are taxed based on your total annual earnings, just like if you had been paid in fiat currency.
Mining as Business or Hobby
Mining crypto as a hobby is typically considered part of your Box 3 assets, especially if it does not yield consistent profit. However, if you operate mining equipment on a larger scale or make a profit from it beyond covering electricity and hardware costs, the activity may be reclassified as a business. In such cases, it is taxed under Box 1.
For example, if you mine Ethereum and earn rewards worth €3,000 in a year while incurring only €500 in costs, you may owe income tax on the €2,500 profit.
Freelance and Other Non-Salaried Activities
Any crypto earned from freelance work, side gigs, or services outside formal employment is also taxed under Box 1. This includes activities like getting paid in crypto for consulting, writing, or providing software services.
Suppose you’re a developer who receives ETH for an open-source contribution, you must convert the crypto’s value to euros on the receipt date and include it in your income tax declaration. If this type of income is regular and structured, it could also be seen as business income.
Crypto Wealth Tax (Vermogensbelasting) in the Netherlands
The Netherlands uses Box 3 of the income tax system, which imposes a flat-rate tax (36 % in 2025) on a deemed return from your net assets, such as savings, investments, and debts, that exceed a tax-free threshold (about €57,684 per person in 2025).
Effectively, even if your investments performed poorly or you lost money, the Dutch tax authorities assume a standard return on different asset classes (e.g. ~6 % on investments, ~1 % on cash), and tax you on that notional yield.
How To Calculate Wealth Tax?
To calculate your crypto wealth tax in the Netherlands, you need to determine your taxable amount under Box 3: Savings and Investments. In 2025, you can choose between two methods: the default fictitious return or the actual return, depending on which is lower.
Using the Fictitious Return Method (Default)
The fictitious return method calculates tax on estimated yields rather than your actual gains. The Belastingdienst assigns fixed return percentages:
- Savings: 0.92%
- Investments (e.g., crypto): 6.17%
- Deductible debt: 2.46%
Once your assets are classified, a weighted average return is calculated across all asset categories. You then pay 32% tax on the portion of your net wealth exceeding €57,000.
This method is simpler and used by default unless you prove that your actual return is lower.
Using the Actual Return Method (Post-Court Ruling Option)
After a 2024 Dutch High Court ruling, you may now opt for taxation on your actual return if it results in a lower tax bill. This includes:
- Price appreciation or depreciation on crypto held during the year
- Realized gains/losses from sales or trades
- Earnings from staking, lending, or interest
- Unrealized gains/losses for crypto held continuously throughout the year
You must document acquisition costs, disposal values, and end-of-year balances. This approach requires detailed transaction records and is more complex but can significantly reduce tax in volatile years.
Step-by-Step Example of Tax Calculation (with Formulae)
Let’s say you own:
- €100,000 in savings
- €40,000 in crypto
- €10,000 in student loan debt
Step 1: Calculate Fictitious Returns
- Savings: €100,000 × 0.92% = €920
- Crypto: €40,000 × 6.17% = €2,468
- Debt: (€10,000 – €3,700) × 2.46% = €155
Taxable return = €920 + €2,468 – €155 = €3,233 |
Step 2: Calculate Net Wealth
- Net assets = €100,000 + €40,000 – (€10,000 – €3,700) = €133,700
Step 3: Calculate Effective Return Rate
- €3,233 ÷ €133,700 = 2.42%
Step 4: Subtract Tax-Free Allowance
- €133,700 – €57,000 = €76,700 taxable base
Step 5: Apply Tax Rate
- €76,700 × 2.42% = €1,856 return
- €1,856 × 32% = €594 in tax
This method gives a consistent framework for most taxpayers.
Important For Filing Taxes In The Netherlands
Dutch taxpayers must stay aware of key tax deadlines. These dates determine when you must declare your crypto holdings and income for the 2025 tax year. Missing any of these can lead to penalties or missed filing opportunities.
1 March 2026 – Tax Portal Opens
The Belastingdienst opened its online tax portal, MijnBelastingdienst, on 1 March 2026. You can begin submitting your crypto tax return through this portal from this date onward.
1 May 2026 – Standard Filing Deadline
If you’ve received a formal letter from the Belastingdienst asking you to file your tax return, you must submit it no later than 1 May 2026.
14 July 2026 – Extended Deadline (If No Letter Received)
If you haven’t received a filing letter but owe more than €47 after completing your declaration online, you’re still required to file by 14 July 2026.
How to Declare Crypto in Your Dutch Tax Return?
The Dutch tax authority, Belastingdienst, allows taxpayers to file returns online via the MijnBelastingdienst portal. If you hold or earn cryptocurrency, it must be reported under the correct tax box. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make sure your crypto is declared properly and in compliance with Dutch tax rules.
Step 1: Log into MijnBelastingdienst
The first step is accessing the official tax portal.
- Visit belastingdienst.nl and log in to your MijnBelastingdienst account using your DigiD.
- Once logged in, navigate to your dashboard and click on “Inkomstenbelasting.”
- Choose the relevant tax year, for example, “Belastingjaar 2025” to begin filing for the 2025 tax year.
- From there, select “Aangifte Inkomstenbelasting doen” to start your income tax declaration.
Step 2: Declare Income from Crypto under Box 1
If you’ve received crypto from work, freelancing, mining, or other income-generating activities, it must be declared under Box 1.
- After filling in your personal details, navigate to the income section.
- Select relevant categories like:
- “Inkomsten uit loondienst” if you received crypto as salary.
- “Inkomsten uit overig werk” if you earned crypto through freelancing or mining.
- Provide:
- A short description of the income source (e.g., freelance design work paid in BTC).
- The euro value of the crypto at the time it was received.
Make sure to convert crypto to euros at the exact date of receipt using fair market value.
Step 3: Declare Crypto Holdings under Box 3
Most crypto investors need to report their holdings under Box 3 for wealth tax.
- In the “Bankrekeningen en andere Bezittingen” section, check the box for “Overige Bezittingen”.
- Under “Andere Bezittingen”, declare:
- The value of your crypto assets as of January 1st at 00:00:00.
- Total amount across all wallets and exchanges, converted to euros.
- You may use tax tools or manually note balances from exchanges and wallets for accuracy.
This step is mandatory even if you did not trade or sell any crypto during the year.
Step 4: Submit Gift Tax if Applicable
If you’ve given or received crypto as a gift, it must be reported under the schenkbelasting section.
- Return to your MijnBelastingdienst dashboard and choose “Schenkbelasting”.
- Provide:
- Giver’s and receiver’s details.
- Relationship between parties.
- Gift value in Euros and type of gift (e.g., “Aandelen en andere effecten” for crypto).
- Note that crypto gifts are tax-free up to €2,418 (or €6,035 if from parents). Gifts above this are subject to gift tax.
Make sure to file this form separately from your main income tax return.
How KoinX Helps You With Crypto Tax Filing In The Netherlands?
Filing your crypto taxes in the Netherlands can feel confusing, especially when juggling Box 1 and Box 3 classifications, fictitious returns, and complex transaction types. That’s where KoinX steps in. It’s a powerful, automated crypto tax platform built to take the guesswork out of Dutch tax filing, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant reports for every investor.
KoinX eliminates manual calculations, reduces filing errors, and gives you complete visibility into your crypto portfolio. Here’s how it simplifies your tax season:
Accurate Preview of Transactions
KoinX gives you a clear and error-free view of every crypto transaction you’ve made. Whether you’re trading, staking, or earning rewards, the platform generates accurate previews so you can see potential tax liabilities in advance. This helps reduce manual errors and ensures every transaction is correctly accounted for.
Auto-Classification of Transactions
Using powerful automation, KoinX classifies your transactions based on their nature, whether it’s buying, selling, staking, lending, or receiving rewards. This removes the guesswork and ensures that your activity is correctly assigned to either Box 1 or Box 3, as per the Belastingdienst’s requirements.
One-Click Crypto Portfolio Tracking
You can track your crypto assets across wallets and exchanges in one place with a single click. KoinX shows your real-time portfolio value, helping you monitor performance and stay prepared for tax season. This is especially useful for checking your holdings as of January 1st.
Audit-Ready Tax Summaries
KoinX provides detailed tax summaries that are easy to download and share. These summaries are built to be audit-ready and align with Dutch tax formats, helping you stay compliant in case the Belastingdienst requires additional documentation or clarification.
Multi-Wallet and Exchange Integration
With support for 800+ wallets, exchanges, and blockchains, KoinX ensures that no transaction goes unnoticed. Whether you’re using Dutch platforms like Bitvavo or global exchanges like Binance, your data syncs automatically, saving hours of manual tracking.
Supports DeFi and NFTs
Whether you’re earning through staking protocols, lending platforms, or investing in NFTs, KoinX tracks all of it. The platform understands DeFi complexity and handles it seamlessly, helping you declare everything, from on-chain yield to NFT gains, under the correct tax treatment.
Save time and avoid tax mistakes by automating your crypto tax reports with KoinX. Stay compliant with Belastingdienst rules and keep your assets secure, try KoinX today.
Conclusion
Filing crypto taxes in the Netherlands isn’t as simple as just listing your assets. Between Box 1 income, Box 3 wealth tax, and complex classifications for each type of transaction, Dutch taxpayers must approach crypto reporting with care. The Belastingdienst expects accurate, well-documented submissions, especially after the recent court rulings affecting how wealth tax is calculated.
That’s where KoinX steps in. With its automated classification, seamless portfolio syncing, and audit-ready reports, KoinX helps you stay tax-compliant while saving time. Whether you’re a casual HODLer or an active DeFi user, KoinX makes crypto tax filing in the Netherlands easier and more accurate. So why wait, streamline your Dutch crypto tax reporting with KoinX—before the next tax deadline arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Declare Crypto Even If I Didn't Sell It?
Yes, the Netherlands taxes crypto based on your holdings as of January 1 each year. Even if you didn’t sell any crypto, the value of your portfolio must be declared under Box 3. You will owe wealth tax if your total net assets exceed the exemption threshold.
Can I Use Losses to Offset Gains in Dutch Crypto Taxation?
No, under the current Dutch tax regime, capital losses on crypto investments cannot be used to offset wealth tax liability in Box 3. Income from work or services declared in Box 1 may have deductibles, but loss offsetting in crypto taxation is limited unless future laws change.
What Happens If I Forget to Declare My Crypto?
Failing to declare your crypto holdings can result in serious penalties. The Belastingdienst may issue fines up to 150% of the unpaid tax. In cases of fraud or repeated non-compliance, penalties may increase to 300%. Voluntary disclosure before detection may reduce or waive penalties.
Can I Amend Previous Tax Returns to Add Crypto?
Yes, Dutch taxpayers can voluntarily correct prior returns by declaring unreported crypto, especially under Box 1 or Box 3. If the Belastingdienst hasn’t yet discovered the omission, the correction may prevent fines. Once you’re under audit or informed, voluntary correction is no longer valid.
