Reporting your crypto activity in Germany might feel complicated at first, but it all becomes easier when you know the right steps. If you bought, sold, or earned cryptocurrency during the year, you must declare it to the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (BZSt) before the filing deadline. The German tax office takes crypto seriously and requires you to report different types of income in the correct forms.
Whether it’s capital gains from selling coins or staking rewards earned over time, you need to assign the right category and enter the right figures. There are specific forms for each type of crypto income, and understanding where to report what is key to avoiding mistakes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to stay compliant and file your crypto taxes in Germany with clarity and confidence.
Where to Report Different Types of Crypto Income?
Different types of crypto income must be reported in specific forms when filing your taxes in Germany. Using the correct form ensures that your earnings are properly classified under German tax law. Below is a breakdown of how each crypto activity is reported.
Anlage SO
You must use Anlage SO to report private sales and other income not tied to a commercial activity. This includes capital gains from selling crypto held privately, as well as income from mining, staking, lending, or masternodes that are not classified as a business.
- Enter your selling price in line 44
- Enter your acquisition cost in line 45
- Gains or losses go in line 49 (calculated automatically on ELSTER)
For non-commercial income like staking rewards, declare the total amount received in line 10 under Leistungen. Combine all such earnings in line 12 and enter the final total after deducting expenses in line 14.
Anlage KAP
If you earned income from margin trading or similar financial instruments, report it in Anlage KAP. This form handles capital income, such as gains from derivatives or interest-bearing instruments.
- Net foreign investment income should go on line 19
- Total income in line 21
- Any related losses or fees should be recorded in lines 22 and 24
This form applies even if the earnings were made in crypto, provided they meet the definition of capital income under German tax law.
Anlage N
Use Anlage N to report crypto-related employment income. This includes any payments received in cryptocurrency as part of a salaried job. It covers regular wages, one-time bonuses, and benefits in kind received in crypto.
These payments must be declared in the same way as fiat salary income under Section 19 of the German Income Tax Act, regardless of their format.
Anlage G
Any crypto income from business or commercial activities must be reported in Anlage G. This form is used if you run a crypto-related business or trade at a scale that the tax office considers professional.
Examples include running a crypto trading operation, operating a staking pool, or selling NFTs as a business. Be prepared to submit supporting documentation like invoices, transaction logs, and business expense details.
Anlage Sonderausgaben
If you made donations using crypto, include them in Anlage Sonderausgaben. This form is used to report special expenses like charitable contributions, which can sometimes be deducted from your total taxable income.
Ensure the receiving organisation is approved for tax-deductible donations and keep records of the crypto value at the time of donation.
What Is the Crypto Tax Deadline in Germany?
The tax year in Germany runs from January 1 to December 31. The standard deadline to file your tax return is July 31 of the following year. If this date falls on a weekend or public holiday, it is extended to the next working day. Although previous years saw deadline extensions due to the pandemic, no such extension has been announced for the 2024 tax year. So, your crypto tax return for 2024 must be submitted by July 31, 2025.
Which Cost Basis Method Is Used in Germany?
Germany follows specific rules for calculating the gains or losses from crypto transactions. Understanding how to apply the right cost basis method is key to filing your crypto taxes accurately.
FIFO Method as the Default Approach
The German tax office prefers the First In First Out (FIFO) method for cost calculation. FIFO means the first coins you purchase are also considered the first ones you sell. If you bought Bitcoin in January and again in June, and then sold some in December, the tax office will assume you sold the January coins first. This approach is helpful when individual units cannot be identified.
Wallet-Based FIFO Tracking Is Required
In 2022, updated BMF guidance introduced a more precise interpretation. FIFO now applies on a wallet-by-wallet basis. This means gains and losses must be tracked separately for each wallet. KoinX has incorporated this automatically, allowing German users to calculate wallet-level gains using this method unless they choose to switch it in their settings.
Read More: Crypto Accounting Methods in 2025
What Records Should You Keep for Crypto Transactions?
These records help support the accuracy of your return and protect you in case of a tax audit.
Record the Date of Every Transaction
Always note the exact date on which you bought, sold, received, or exchanged crypto. This information is critical because the length of time you hold crypto can influence whether the gains are taxable. The date also helps track the holding period for the one-year exemption.
Capture the Value in Euros at the Time
It is necessary to record the value of the cryptocurrency in Euro at the time of each transaction. You can use the rates from reliable crypto exchanges for this purpose. The valuation in Euro ensures that your gains or income are reported correctly as per the local tax rules.
Describe the Purpose and Parties Involved
Make a brief note of what each transaction was for. Whether it was a purchase, a gift, or a trade, the purpose should be clear. Also, record who the other party was. If their identity is not known, the wallet address or exchange ID should still be saved for reference.
Note: Most tax offices, including the Finanzamt, expect residents to store crypto-related documents for at least 5 years.
How KoinX Simplifies Crypto Tax Filing in Germany?
Reporting crypto transactions to the BZSt can quickly become complex, especially when assets are spread across wallets and exchanges. Without automation, manual tracking often leads to missed entries and reporting errors. KoinX resolves this with a seamless solution built for German taxpayers.
Seamless Integration
KoinX connects easily with over 300 wallets and exchanges. It automatically detects trades, transfers, and income across multiple chains without you needing to upload anything manually. Whether your assets are on Binance, MetaMask, or a lesser-known platform, KoinX pulls data accurately and in real-time.
Auto Categorisation of Transactions
Each transaction is automatically sorted into its correct tax category. This includes capital gains, staking rewards, airdrops, and gifts. You no longer need to tag or classify every entry yourself; KoinX does it based on the current BZSt standards.
Compliant Crypto Tax Report
KoinX generates a tax report that matches the requirements set by the German tax office. It covers capital gains, income from mining and staking, and personal use exemptions. The reports are detailed and ready to be submitted directly via the ELSTER portal.
Safe and Secure
With KoinX, your privacy comes first. The system uses strong encryption protocols to keep your identity and transaction records safe. None of your data is ever shared without your consent, and every step is protected by secure servers.
Built to Follow BZSt Guidelines
KoinX is regularly updated to reflect the latest BZSt crypto tax regulations. Whether you need to report under Anlage SO, KAP, or G, the platform adjusts your data and format accordingly so you always file the right forms.
Get started with KoinX today and simplify your crypto tax reporting in Germany with auto-categorisation, secure integrations, and fully BZSt-compliant reports.
Conclusion
Filing your crypto taxes in Germany does not need to be confusing. Understanding which forms to use, what records to maintain, and how to follow BZSt rules ensures accurate reporting. Taking the right steps early helps you avoid notices and penalties later.
With KoinX, you can manage your crypto tax responsibilities efficiently. From auto-categorisation to compliant report generation, KoinX is built to support German crypto users every step of the way.
Start using KoinX today to file your crypto taxes with clarity and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Mandatory To Report Crypto Losses In Germany?
Yes, reporting crypto losses is beneficial and often necessary. By declaring your losses, you may be able to offset them against taxable gains, reducing your total tax liability. Proper documentation must be maintained, and losses must be filed in the correct tax year to be eligible for deduction.
Can I Report Crypto Income In A Foreign Currency?
No, all crypto income and gains must be reported in euros. When converting values, use the fair market exchange rate from a reliable source on the date of the transaction. Keeping consistent and auditable conversion records can help prevent errors or disputes with the tax office.
Does Germany Tax Crypto Gifts Or Donations?
Yes, crypto gifts and donations may be subject to tax depending on their value and the relationship between the giver and the recipient. Gift tax allowances apply, and donations may need to be reported in the appropriate section of your return. Consulting a tax advisor is advised for threshold and exemption details.
Are Crypto-To-Crypto Swaps Reportable In Germany?
Yes, exchanging one cryptocurrency for another is treated as a taxable event in Germany. The transaction must be valued in euros based on market value at the time of exchange, and any gain must be reported. This applies even if no fiat currency is involved in the transaction.
Can I Amend My Crypto Tax Filing If I Miss Something?
Yes, if you discover an error or omission in your crypto tax filing, you can file a correction request (Änderungsantrag) with the tax office. It’s important to act within the legal deadlines, and corrections should be made using proper documentation to avoid penalties.
