Clock Ticking on Tax-Free Bitcoin: Germany Crypto News Oct 6

Germany Crypto News Today: Tax-Free Bitcoin Window Is Closing

In crypto news today, the German Federal Ministry of Finance has sent its tax reform bill to industry associations, which must file written feedback by October 6, 2026. 

This Germany Crypto News update matters because the cabinet is set to take up the bill on October 14, 2026. Bitcoin traded near $83,300 as of October 1, 2026.

BitcoinArchive also covered this news in a tweet, noting that the tax-free BTC era ends under the proposed draft, with 2027 purchases facing the new levy.

Is Bitcoin Tax Free in Germany Right Now?

Partly. Under § 23 of the Income Tax Act, private investors owe no tax on BTC sold after more than one year, and total gains below €1,000 a year are exempt. Sales within twelve months face the personal income tax rate. Source: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/estg/__23.html

The tax-free BTC Germany rule is therefore tied to time, not size. Those tax-free crypto gains are what the draft would remove for newly bought coins.

Germany Crypto Tax Draft Bill Explained

For Germany Crypto News readers, the German Finance Ministry crypto moves Bitcoin and similar coins into capital income. The main points:

• Germany ends tax-free Bitcoin for coins bought after December 31, 2026.

• Germany 25% crypto tax from 2027 applies whatever the holding time.

• Germany crypto tax 2027 rules start on January 1, 2027, with provider withholding from 2028.

• Staking and lending income would also count as capital income.

German Crypto Tax Proposal: What Changes for Holders?

How Much Tax on Bitcoin in Germany Under the Draft?

The applies the Abgeltungsteuer, a flat capital income tax already used for shares, plus the solidarity surcharge. That is a 26.375% effective rate before church tax.

Many readers now search the Germany Bitcoin tax rate 26.375%, and it is simply 25% plus the surcharge. The Abgeltungsteuer crypto flat tax would work as a crypto capital gains tax, withheld by platforms from 2028.

Germany Crypto Tax New Rules for Old Holdings: Who Is Exempt?

Will Germany tax Bitcoin after one year? For coins bought before 2027, no change is planned. Pre-2027 holdings keep the one-year holding period, so sales after twelve months stay tax-free.

Germany one-year crypto holding rule ending applies only to new purchases, which makes the purchase date the deciding factor.

Germany Crypto Tax Latest News Today: What Comes Next?

Germany Crypto News coverage will follow the cabinet vote. The ministry expects roughly €350 million a year in the long run. 

The draft is not law, and Bundestag records show an earlier Greens bill (21/5752) to scrap the holding period.

Expert Opinion

For this Crypto News today report, analysts suggest the short feedback window leaves little room for big edits before the cabinet date, though parliament could still change the text. 

The cut-off may also push some buyers to act before December 31, 2026, while dropping the holding incentive could reduce long-term appeal for new coins. 

In wider Germany tax news, the key test is whether the cabinet keeps the draft unchanged.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and is not tax, legal, or investment advice. The draft is not law and may change. Consult a licensed German tax adviser before acting.