Trying to figure out your crypto taxes in Belgium is hard enough, but it gets even more confusing when you’re only trading part-time. Maybe you have a day job and you just make a few trades a week. Or perhaps you’ve made a small profit from altcoin flips or staking. Either way, you’re probably wondering if part-time crypto activity still leads to full-time tax consequences.
The truth is, Belgium doesn’t use the term “part-time” in its tax law. What matters is how you trade, how often, how much risk you take, and how you manage your assets. These factors help the tax office decide whether you’re a prudent investor, a speculative one, or a professional trader. And that decision will determine the taxes you owe and the forms you’ll need to fill.
Crypto Investor Classifications in Belgium
Belgium crypto tax laws are applied based on investor classification. Here’s a detailed guide on crypto investors’ categorisation in Belgium.
Prudent Investor or Bon Père De Famille
A prudent investor holds crypto as part of long-term wealth planning, avoiding risky or frequent trades. This type of investor may not be taxed at all if their actions align with the idea of normal management of private assets.
To be seen as prudent, you must avoid high-frequency trades, speculative behaviour, or allocating a large portion of your wealth to crypto. Using your own funds and not relying on borrowed capital or professional tools also supports this classification.
Speculative Trader or Spéculateur
This is the most common classification for part-time traders. If you trade frequently, aim for short-term profits, or invest a large share of your assets in crypto, you’ll likely be taxed as a speculative trader.
Speculative gains are taxed as miscellaneous income at a flat rate of 33%, plus communal taxes. Even occasional high-volume or high-risk activity can trigger this classification, so it’s not just about how often you trade, it’s also about how you trade.
Professional Trader or Professionnel
If crypto trading becomes your main activity or income source, you may be treated as a professional. This applies even if you have another job but still trade with structure, frequency, or use advanced tools.
Professional income is taxed progressively, with rates ranging from 25% to 50%. You must also pay social contributions and declare income under self-employed obligations, making this the most complex and expensive classification.
What Is Considered Part-Time Crypto Trading in Belgium?
Belgian law does not define “part-time trading” as a distinct category. Instead, tax authorities evaluate your activity using a factual assessment method. This means your trading will be analysed based on volume, intent, risk level, and frequency rather than the number of hours you spend.
A trader who buys and sells crypto occasionally might still be classified under a different tax bracket if those trades involve high risks or large amounts. So, while you may consider your activity as part-time, the tax office might see things differently depending on your trading patterns.
How Part-Time Crypto Traders Are Taxed in Belgium?
Once a part-time trader is classified as a speculative investor, Belgium applies fixed tax rules to their crypto income. Understanding these outcomes is key to planning your trades and filing correctly.
33% Flat Tax on Capital Gains
Part-time traders who fall under the speculative investor category are taxed on their crypto profits as miscellaneous income. A flat tax rate of 33% applies to net capital gains, this means gains after deducting allowable fees and costs linked to each trade.
On top of the flat tax, traders must also pay communal taxes that range from 0% to 9%, depending on where they live. The total liability can be significant, and these taxes are charged only on realised gains, not on unsold crypto or unrealised profits.
When Passive Income Is Also Taxed?
Belgian tax authorities treat income from staking, lending, and liquidity provision differently. These are not taxed as capital gains but as movable income at a fixed rate of 30%. This applies even if they occur alongside speculative trading.
The value of rewards is calculated at the time you receive them, in euros. Even if the token’s value later drops, you are taxed on the higher received amount. These incomes must be declared separately from trading gains in your tax return.
Professional Income Tax (If Misclassified)
If your trading appears too frequent or structured, you may be reclassified as a professional investor. This brings progressive income tax rates ranging from 25% to 50%.
On top of this, you would need to pay social security contributions and file your crypto income under self-employed income rules. Misclassification can lead to higher tax burdens and extra compliance duties.
Tax Treatment of Different Crypto Activities for Part-Time Traders
Crypto income can come from more than just trading. If you earn through other crypto activities, it’s important to understand how each is taxed, especially if you’re active only part-time.
Selling, Swapping or Spending Cryptocurrency
When part-time traders sell crypto for fiat, swap one coin for another, or spend crypto to buy goods, these actions are all treated as capital gains. The taxable amount is calculated on the profit earned from the transaction.
This income is taxed at a flat 33%, plus municipal surcharges. You’re allowed to subtract fees, commissions, and transfer costs if they’re documented, helping lower the amount on which the tax is applied.
Staking, Lending, and Liquidity Rewards
Returns from staking, lending, or providing liquidity are taxed as movable income. The fixed tax rate is 30%, and the key rule is that the euro value at the time of receipt determines your taxable income.
Even if the token’s value drops later, the tax is based on the value when the reward was issued. This income must be reported separately from capital gains.
Airdrops and Hard Forks
When you receive crypto through airdrops or hard forks, it is treated as taxable income upon receipt. The tax applies to the market value at the time you gain control over the asset.
Depending on how the tax office views the source, this income could fall under miscellaneous or movable income. Either way, it becomes taxable even before you decide to sell the tokens.
Mining Activity (Even Small Scale)
Even small-scale miners are often classified as professional traders due to the level of infrastructure, planning, and energy use involved. This reclassification brings higher tax rates.
If you mine occasionally using professional tools or setups, the income may be taxed progressively between 25% and 50%. It also brings self-employment duties like social contributions and business registration.
How to Calculate Taxable Gains as a Part-Time Trader?
Belgium uses the “miscellaneous income” category to tax speculative traders. In this section, you’ll learn how to calculate what you owe, including gain computation, deductible expenses, and loss adjustments.
Capital Gains Formula
The taxable capital gain is calculated using this formula:
|
Capital Gains Tax = (Selling Price − Fees − Purchase Price) × 33% |
This gives you the net amount subject to tax, not the full sale value.
If you have more than one crypto trade in a financial year, then Belgian tax authorities apply the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) method to determine cost basis. This means the oldest purchased crypto is treated as the first sold, which directly affects your taxable calculation.
Deductible Expenses
You can deduct justified costs directly related to acquiring or selling crypto assets. This includes exchange fees, brokerage commissions, and transfer costs incurred during a transaction.
However, only verifiable and documented expenses are valid. Keeping detailed records of each transaction’s costs is essential to reduce your taxable gain accurately.
|
NOTE: Losses from speculative crypto trading within the same year can offset gains, reducing your overall taxable income. This helps bring down the 33% tax impact significantly. Unused losses can be carried forward for up to 5 years and used to offset future miscellaneous income. This flexibility is helpful during bear markets or volatile years. |
What Changes from 2026? The New 10% Capital Gains Tax
A new tax regime will begin in Belgium from 2026 that affects part-time crypto traders who follow prudent investment behaviour. Here’s what you need to know about the 10% capital gains tax and how it may apply to you.
Who This Tax Applies To?
The new 10% tax targets capital gains made under “normal management of private assets”. This means it will only apply to traders considered prudent investors, those who make long-term, low-risk investments.
Crypto will be included in this definition, so if your part-time activity qualifies as prudent, any gains you make from 2026 onward may be subject to this lower flat rate instead of being exempt as they are today.
Exemptions and Thresholds
There will be an annual exemption threshold of €10,000 in capital gains. If your gains stay below this limit, no tax will apply. Any excess amount will be taxed at the 10% rate.
In addition, there will be favourable valuation rules for assets held before 1 January 2026. This means certain gains may be calculated using a stepped-up value, reducing your tax liability.
How It Interacts With the 33% Tax?
The 10% tax will not replace the current 33% tax on speculative trading. Both systems will run in parallel. Your tax rate will depend on how the tax authority classifies your trading activity.
If you are considered a speculative trader, you’ll still pay the 33% rate. Only those who remain under the prudent category can benefit from the 10% capital gains tax.
Declaration Process for Part-Time Traders in Belgium
Filing taxes correctly as a part-time trader depends on the type of income you earn. This section provides simple, step-by-step instructions on where to report each kind of income in your tax return.
Capital Gains (Speculative Income)
Capital gains from part-time speculative trading must be reported in Part 2, Box XV of your Belgian tax return. Use Field 1440 to enter your total gross gains from crypto sales.
If you have deductible costs or transaction fees, you should enter them in Field 1441. These will be considered to reduce your net taxable amount under the 33% miscellaneous income rule.
Losses from Previous Years
If you’re carrying forward capital losses from past years, you can report them in Field 1202. This allows you to offset those losses against current gains and reduce your tax burden.
These losses must be within the 5-year carry-forward limit and linked to the same income category, i.e., speculative gains declared under miscellaneous income.
Staking and Passive Income
Any income from staking, lending, or similar activities should be declared in Part 1, Box VII. Specifically, use Field 1444 for movable income that hasn’t been subject to withholding tax.
This ensures your passive income is taxed at the flat 30% rate and reported separately from capital gains or other earnings.
Professional Income (If Classified as Such)
If you’re classified as a professional trader for mining or farming activities, you must complete Box XIV to report your professional status and Box XVII for your income from crypto trading.
You also need to declare social security contributions in Field 1632 and professional expenses in Field 1606. Losses from previous years can be reported in Part 1, Box VIII, Field 1349.
How KoinX Helps Belgian Part-Time Traders Stay Compliant?
Filing crypto taxes as a part-time investor in Belgium can be frustrating. With unclear classifications, multiple tax boxes, and the risk of audits, it’s easy to feel uncertain. Tracking every trade, applying the correct tax rate, and submitting accurate reports to MyMinFin can quickly become time-consuming.
KoinX simplifies the entire process by helping you identify your investor type, calculating gains correctly, and generating the right documents for submission. Here’s how it can help:
Easily Integrates With Different Platforms
KoinX supports seamless integration with 800+ exchanges, wallets, and blockchains. Whether you use mainstream or niche platforms, your entire trading history can be synced in minutes.
This ensures no transaction is missed, and your tax calculations are based on complete and accurate data from all your crypto sources.
Tracks All Trades and Classifies Activity
KoinX automatically monitors your crypto transactions across wallets and exchanges to assess your frequency, volume, and use of trading tools. This helps determine whether your activity aligns with speculative trading or falls into a professional classification.
By analysing trading behaviour, the platform helps you avoid misreporting and prepares you to respond confidently to the FPS classification questions.
Applies FIFO and Calculates Gains Automatically
All capital gains are calculated using the FIFO (First-In, First-Out) method, which is the standard expected by Belgian authorities. KoinX applies this rule accurately across all taxable events, from spot trades to swaps.
This ensures your net gains reflect the correct cost basis and deductions, so you only pay what’s necessary under the 33% or 30% regime.
Generates SPF-Compliant Reports
KoinX generates downloadable tax reports tailored to Belgium’s system. These reports include data formatted for Box XV (capital gains), Box VII (movable income), and other relevant tax fields.
Once generated, these files are ready for upload to MyMinFin, making your tax filing straightforward and reducing the risk of errors or missed income.
Whether you’re staking, trading, or managing losses, KoinX ensures everything is in order for Belgian tax compliance. So why wait? Sign up with KoinX today and simplify your crypto tax filings.
Conclusion
Being a part-time crypto trader in Belgium comes with specific tax responsibilities. From understanding your classification to calculating gains and submitting the right forms, each step must be handled correctly to avoid penalties. With tax rules becoming stricter and reporting obligations increasing, staying compliant is not optional anymore.
KoinX makes the entire process simple. It helps you classify your activity, apply the correct tax rates, and generate ready-to-file reports, all in one place. Sign up with KoinX today and take the stress out of crypto tax reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have To Pay Taxes On Occasional Crypto Trades In Belgium?
Yes, even occasional trades may be taxed if the authorities consider them speculative. If your activity falls under “management of private assets,” it may be exempt, but frequent or profit-driven trades are usually taxed at 33%.
Can I Be Reclassified As A Professional Trader Without Knowing?
Yes. If your crypto activity shows signs like frequent trading, high volumes, or using automated tools, the tax authority may classify you as a professional, even if you consider yourself part-time.
Is There Any Tax-Free Threshold For Part-Time Traders?
No tax-free threshold exists for speculative trading. However, under the new 2026 capital gains tax, a €10,000 exemption will apply, but only to “normal management” of assets, not speculative trades.
Are Airdrops And Forks Taxed For Part-Time Traders?
Yes. Airdrops and hard forks are taxed as income upon receipt. The fair market value at the time of receiving them is used to calculate the tax.
Can I Offset Crypto Losses Against Gains?
Yes. If classified as a speculative investor, you can offset capital losses against gains in the same year. Unused losses can be carried forward for up to 5 years.
