Coin Bureau|01. Sept.
Germany Is Coming For YOUR Bitcoin.
Germany's Crypto Crackdown: From Bitcoin Sales to New Tax Plans
The German government sold 49,858 Bitcoin seized from a criminal network (Movie2k) in June 2024 for €2.6 billion – all within 21 days. Now, a new case could bring another 57,000 Bitcoin (total up to €6.2 billion). But the real issue targets ordinary citizens:
- Planned tax change: Currently, the 12-month rule allows tax-free sales after holding crypto for one year. This rule is set to be abolished, and the expected revenue is already in the federal budget, though the law hasn't been passed yet.
- Transparency law in effect: Since January 2026, all crypto exchanges must report tax IDs and transactions of German residents directly to the tax office (DAC8/CARF). First data transfer: July 2027.
- Banks as winners: While independent providers face stricter regulation (e.g., early deadline for N26), traditional banks like DZ Bank, Sparkassen, Commerzbank, and Deutsche Bank are getting crypto licenses, reaching 80 million customers.
- Petition against the tax plans: A petition to save the 12-month rule gathered 38,000 signatures within days, forcing a public hearing.
Bottom line: Germany is punishing self-custody and favoring banks. The crypto hub status is eroding – many firms are moving to other EU countries. The key question: Is this a fair tax reform or a targeted attack on private crypto holders?
