The Dutch tax environment is undergoing major changes. Dutch investors have been operating on a “fictitious profit” system for many years. box 3but a series of recent Supreme Court decisions have forced the government’s hand. starting from January 2028a new legislative proposal entitled “Wet werkelijk rendement box 3” (Box 3 Actual Revenue Law) will be introduced. capital growth tax.
For crypto holders, this change is revolutionary and potentially costly. Unlike the current system, the new rules cover the following: unrealized capital gainsThis means that even if you haven’t sold any Satoshis, you may be liable to pay taxes on the increase in the value of your $Bitcoin.
New capital growth tax structure
The core of the 2028 reform is the transition from “deemed” returns to “deemed” returns. actual revenue. Based on the proposed “capital growth” model, the Dutch tax authorities (Belastdienst) will examine your total assets at the beginning and end of each year.
Taxing “paper” profits
If you hold $Ethereum or any other digital asset, the government will calculate the difference in market value between January 1st and December 31st.
- Price increase: If your portfolio increases by 10,000 euros, the entire amount will be considered taxable income for the year, even if the coins are still in your hardware wallet.
- Staking and yield: Direct income, such as staking rewards and interest from loans, is also taxed as part of your actual earnings.
Tax rate 36%
The current proposal proposes a flat tax rate. 36% About these actual profits. However, a small ‘tax-free’ basis is planned, with approx. 1,800 euros per person Determine based on total revenue rather than total asset value threshold.
Encryption platform and DAC8 compliance
The Netherlands has already introduced European regulations to ensure that no one “forgets” to report their holdings. DAC8 command This mandate requires cryptocurrency exchanges and service providers to automatically share user data with tax authorities.
By 2028, Belastidienst will receive your holdings data directly from the platform. For this reason, it is imperative that investors keep accurate records. Using professional crypto tax software, you can automatically track these unrealized gains and losses and avoid unexpected penalties.
Exception for “real estate”
Interestingly, not all assets are treated equally. Virtual currencies, stocks, and bonds will be subject to tax on unrealized gains, but real estate (other than the main residence) capital gain model. This means that real estate investors will only pay tax on the increase in value when they actually sell the property, but rental income will still be taxed.
What happens if the market crashes?
A big concern for traders is what will happen during a “crypto winter.” Even if asset values decline, the new system allows you to: loss compensation.
- offset: Gains in the same year can be offset by losses.
- Carry forward: If you have a net loss, you can carry it forward indefinitely into the future, reducing your taxable income when the market recovers.
As reported by leading authorities such as deloittethe plan is controversial due to potential “liquidity issues” (taxpayers would have to sell assets to pay taxes), but the government is moving forward to comply with the Supreme Court’s order.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal tax advice. Tax laws are subject to change, and the 2028 proposal is still before Congress. You should consult a qualified Dutch tax professional regarding your specific situation.
