Introduction
Austria shares Germany's language, but not its crypto tax. Since the 2022 reform, crypto is treated as capital ("Kapitalvermögen"), and its gains are taxed at a single special rate of 27.5% (Kapitalertragsteuer, KESt). A surprise for many: this rate applies regardless of the holding period — there's no exemption after one year as there is across the border in Germany. This module explains that logic simply, so you understand what the rate covers, the crypto-to-crypto nuance, and how to declare. Important: this content is educational, not personalised tax advice — for your situation, consult a tax adviser (Steuerberater).
The principle: 27.5% KESt, whatever the holding period
In Austria, gains realised on crypto are taxed at a single special rate of 27.5% (Kapitalertragsteuer, KESt). It's neither the progressive income scale nor a rate that varies with the amount: it's a flat rate, specific to capital income.
The part that surprises most: this rate applies regardless of the holding period. Whether you sell after three weeks or five years, the rate stays at 27.5%. There's no magic deadline after which the gain becomes exempt. That's the big difference from neighbouring Germany, where holding for more than a year makes the gain fully tax-free.
Like in Germany, if I hold my crypto for more than a year the gain will be tax-free.
Actually : No — not in Austria. The German "1-year" rule doesn't apply here. Austria taxes a flat 27.5% whatever the holding period: three weeks or ten years, it's the same rate.
What the 27.5% rate covers: the unified regime since 2022
Since the reform that took effect in 2022, Austria applies a unified crypto regime. The 27.5% rate doesn't only cover capital gains on a sale: it also covers certain "current income" generated by your crypto, such as some staking or lending rewards, depending on their treatment.
This unification makes things easier to read: instead of juggling several regimes, most of your crypto gains fall under one framework, at 27.5%. That said, the detail of each income type can vary — if in doubt about a specific reward, check your situation.
- Capital gains on a sale: taxed at 27.5%.
- Certain current income (staking, lending): also fall under the unified crypto regime.
- Regime in force since the 2022 reform — crypto is treated as capital (Kapitalvermögen).
The crypto-to-crypto nuance: swaps are generally not taxable
Here's the good surprise of the Austrian system: swapping one crypto for another (say Bitcoin for Ethereum) is generally not a taxable event. Tax is triggered instead when you leave the crypto world — that is, on a disposal to euros (or to a good or a service).
In practice, you can rebalance your portfolio between cryptos without triggering tax on every move. It's the exit event (sale to euros, payment in crypto) that is the taxable trigger. This simplification clearly sets Austria apart from countries like Spain, where a crypto-to-crypto swap is itself taxable.
Austria vs Germany: same language, opposite logic
Germany: no tax if you hold for more than a year, but a sale before one year is taxed on the progressive scale. Austria: 27.5% whatever the duration — but a crypto-to-crypto swap is generally not taxable, and only the exit to euros triggers tax.
How to declare, and the role of a French account
As an Austrian resident, you declare your taxable crypto gains to your tax office (Finanzamt), in your income-tax return. The official reference source remains the Ministry of Finance (BMF, bmf.gv.at). Keep a record of your transactions (dates, euro amounts) to evidence the calculation of your gains.
An Austrian provider may, in certain cases, withhold the KESt directly at source. But Deblock is regulated in France, not in Austria: a French account does NOT withhold Austrian KESt. The consequence is simple — it's up to you to declare your own gains to the Finanzamt. The account doesn't do it for you and removes no Austrian obligation.
For special cases (staking, lending, payment in crypto), the treatment may need a close look. This content is educational, not tax advice — when in doubt, a tax adviser (Steuerberater) is the right call.
- Austrian resident = you declare to the Finanzamt yourself (source: BMF, bmf.gv.at).
- A French account doesn't withhold Austrian KESt at source.
- Keep a record of your transactions (dates, euro amounts) for the calculation.
What you should remember
- 01Flat 27.5% rate (KESt) on crypto gains, whatever the holding period.
- 02No "1-year" rule like Germany: three weeks or ten years, the same rate.
- 03Swapping one crypto for another is generally not taxable; the exit to euros is.
- 04A French account doesn't withhold KESt: you declare to the Finanzamt yourself. Educational content, not tax advice — consult a Steuerberater.
Simplified calculation
- Gain = sale price − acquisition cost (weighted average).
- Flat rate: 27.5% KESt on positive gain.
- No long-term holding exemption.
- Crypto-to-crypto swaps taxable since 2022.
Regime applicable since March 2022
The March 1, 2022 law aligned crypto with other capital income. Pre-2022 purchases may have transitional rules.
Broker withholding
Austrian brokers may withhold KESt at source. Foreign platforms: you self-declare.
Loss offset
Crypto losses can offset crypto gains from the same year.
Check with the local tax authority. This page stays educational and does not replace personalised advice.
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