Crypto Exchange Tax Reports: Individuals Responsible for Accurate Figures

The German tax office treats crypto exchange tax reports as an aid and not as proof of accurate figures, meaning individuals are responsible for ensuring their tax returns are correct.

When a report is wrong, it's often due to missing or incorrect data from the exchange. This can occur when transactions such as withdrawals or swaps are not accurately recorded, leading to discrepancies in reported gains or losses.

To correct a faulty report, individuals should download and retain transaction overviews from their crypto exchanges, which they must do regularly and in full. The tax office considers this information a concrete duty, with individuals responsible for cooperating and providing accurate data, especially when facts lie abroad.

The practical core of this requirement is that exchanges can block access or cease operations after a year-end, leaving individuals without proof. To mitigate this risk, it's essential to save transaction overviews and use tools to merge accounts and pair transfers automatically.