Do you have to report bitcoin to the tax authorities?

In the Netherlands, bitcoin is considered as an asset, similar to stocks and savings, and falls under box 3: savings and investments. In principle, you are therefore liable for tax on your bitcoin. The tax is calculated based on the value of your bitcoin holdings in euros on the reference date.

How do you determine the value of bitcoin on the reference date?

To determine the value of your bitcoin on the reference date, you can take screenshots of your portfolio at the turn of the year or download an annual overview from the trading platform where you store your bitcoin. This will give you insight into the amount of bitcoin you had and its value on the reference date (January 1st of the tax year). You are required to pay capital gains tax on this amount.

Currently, Bitonic does not provide annual overviews. Since the Dutch tax authorities require you to use the exchange or broker's rate, you may wonder how you can find the bitcoin rate with us. You can refer to our bitcoin price page for this. There, you can look up the bitcoin price on a specific date (for example, the reference date).

How do you calculate the value of bitcoin for the tax return in box 3?

Once you know how much bitcoin (and/or crypto) you had on the reference date and the applicable rate at that time, it’s simply a matter of multiplying the amount by the rate in effect at the time. The resulting amount is entered in your tax return under 'other assets' in box 3.

Although it may be tempting not to pay taxes or think the tax authorities won't find out about your bitcoin, it's advisable to comply with the law and file your tax return (failing to report is even punishable). Keep in mind that from January 1, 2026, bitcoin and crypto companies will be required to report your balances in bitcoin and/or crypto to the tax authorities (DAC8).

The good news is that you won’t pay tax on your bitcoin holdings if your assets fall below the tax-free allowance. This is a fixed amount on which no tax is levied. If you have a fiscal partner, the tax-free allowance is doubled. Since the (fictional) yield percentages vary annually, we recommend you refer to the Dutch tax authority’s website for the most up-to-date percentages.

Disclaimer. This FAQ is intended for general informational purposes and is not tailored to your personal situation. It is not tax advice, and no rights can be derived from the content. For more information, please visit the website of the Dutch tax authority or consult a tax advisor for personal advice.