Bitcoin & cryptocurrency tax overview
Capital Gains Tax
Gains from crypto disposal are taxed as 'redditi diversi' (miscellaneous income) at a flat 26% substitutive tax rate. A threshold of EUR 2,000 net gains per tax year applied under prior rules; the 2023 Budget Law restructured this and removed the threshold from 2023 onward.
Income Tax
Staking and mining rewards received by individuals are generally treated as miscellaneous income taxed at 26%. If activity is habitual and organized, it may be reclassified as business income subject to ordinary IRPEF progressive rates (23%-43%) plus regional/municipal surcharges.
VAT / GST
Exempt. Following the ECJ Hedqvist ruling (C-264/14), exchanging cryptocurrency for fiat currency is VAT-exempt in Italy as a financial service. Buying crypto with fiat is not subject to Italian VAT for individual holders.
Mining Tax
For sole traders or businesses engaged in mining as a regular commercial activity, income is subject to ordinary corporate or business income tax rules (IRPEF/IRES) rather than the flat 26% rate. VAT implications may also arise if conducted as a business.
In Italy, individual crypto holders pay a flat 26% tax on capital gains from disposal of cryptocurrencies, with no minimum threshold applicable from the 2023 tax year onward following the 2023 Budget Law reforms. Staking and mining income is also taxed at 26% for individuals, though habitual commercial activity can trigger progressive income tax rates. Italy also introduced an optional revaluation regime allowing taxpayers to step up the cost basis of crypto holdings as of January 1, 2023 upon payment of a substitute tax.
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This information is for general reference only and should not be considered tax advice. Tax laws change frequently and may vary based on individual circumstances, residency status, and transaction type. Always consult a qualified tax professional in your jurisdiction before making financial decisions based on this information.