Austria Allows Offsetting Bitcoin Losses Against Dividends

In Austria, investors can offset Bitcoin losses against dividends and certain other investment income. The Ministry of Finance states that gains and losses from cryptocurrencies can be offset against other types of investment income, including dividends and realised gains on shares.

Austrian law allows for the offset to occur within one calendar year. This means that a Bitcoin loss arising in 2026 can only be set against dividends from the same year. An unused private capital loss generally cannot be carried forward into later years.

The tax reporting system in Austria requires providers to produce standardised reports on request, which include income, losses and capital gains tax already withheld. This reporting can serve as proof of an offset that is not applied automatically in the income tax return.