German Crypto Tax Deadline Looms: File Now or Face Penalties
The deadline for filing German income tax returns for 2025 is today, July 31st. For those who are required to file and doing it themselves, the clock runs out at midnight.
The statutory deadline of July 31st is in effect this year after COVID-era extensions expired. Mandatory filers must submit their returns by this date, with the time stamp being when the return reaches the Finanzamt, not when filling it in started.
However, there are two exceptions that can extend the deadline to March 1st, 2027: filing through a Steuerberater or Lohnsteuerhilfeverein, or voluntary filing with no penalty risk until December 31st, 2029.
Crypto investors in Germany must report their gains and losses under 'other assets' in §23 EStG. Coins are tax-free after a holding period of more than twelve months, but inside this period, disposals are taxed at personal income tax rates up to 45%. A €1,000 Freigrenze covers private disposals, including crypto.
The German tax office uses FIFO as the method for calculating gains and losses per wallet or exchange. Anlage SO has dedicated crypto lines since the 2025 tax year, and documentation must include transaction overviews or a proper tax report showing type, quantity, acquisition and disposal dates, costs, and rates.