Austrian Investors Advised to Review Standardised Crypto Tax Reports

From 2025 onward, Austrian investors can obtain standardized tax reporting from entities required to withhold Austrian capital gains tax (KESt) on crypto assets. While designed to clarify taxable events, the report highlights that investors should verify the accuracy of these documents, as missing data or incorrect acquisition costs can distort the reported tax liability.

Discrepancies commonly occur when Bitcoin or other assets are acquired outside the Austrian provider, leaving the institution unaware of original purchase dates, historical acquisition prices, prior token swaps, or whether holdings qualify as old or new. In the absence of complete data, statutory flat-rate valuation rules may apply. For example, understating acquisition costs on a sale can lead to an overstated taxable gain taxed at the standard 27.5% rate.

The report advises investors to cross-check taxable gains, realized losses, withheld taxes, and wallet transfers against their own records. Corrections can sometimes be handled directly through the crypto service provider if supporting documents are provided, or later addressed through a formal income tax assessment. Maintaining detailed transaction logs, CSV exports, purchase receipts, and wallet addresses remains necessary.