Cryptocurrency Taxes in Italy 2026: Complete Fiscal Guide
🪙 CRYPTOCURRENCY TAXES 2026 — TAX FRAMEWORK
The topic of cryptocurrency taxes 2026 in Italy is among the most confusing and debated. Moreover, between the initially planned increase to 33%, the possible block, DAC8 and the end of anonymity on exchanges, this guide on cryptocurrency taxes 2026 clarifies everything: rates, forms to fill, deadlines and strategies to stay compliant with the Italian tax authorities.
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Crypto capital gains taxed at 26% (increase to 33% may have been blocked)
- €2,000 exemption abolished since 2025: all gains are taxable
- Quadro RW mandatory for ownership alone, even without sales
- IVCA (crypto tax) of 0.20% on value as of December 31
- DAC8: from 2026 exchanges report your data to tax authorities automatically
- Crypto-to-crypto swaps are fiscally neutral, fiat conversions are not
- LIFO method mandatory for capital gains calculation
Cryptocurrency taxes 2026: 26% or 33%?
First of all, the most controversial point regarding cryptocurrency taxes 2026 is the applicable rate. The 2025 Budget Law had planned an increase from 26% to 33% starting January 1, 2026. However, during the 2026 Budget discussion, several amendments pushed to block the increase, keeping the rate at 26% to align with other financial instruments.
Consequently, the situation is: for fiscal year 2025 (2026 declaration), the rate is certainly 26%. For gains realized in 2026, the rate may stay at 26% if the block is confirmed, or rise to 33%. We recommend verifying the final law text.
What you must declare: Quadro RW and Quadro RT
Specifically, to comply with Italian tax law regarding cryptocurrency taxes 2026, you must fill two separate sections in your tax return (Modello Redditi PF).
Quadro RW — Fiscal monitoring (mandatory for all holders)
Quadro RW is mandatory for anyone holding cryptocurrencies, regardless of whether you sold or not. It serves two purposes: informing the tax authority of your crypto holdings and calculating the IVCA (crypto tax) of 0.20% on your portfolio value as of December 31.
Quadro RT — Capital gains and losses
Quadro RT must be filled only if you realized gains or losses during the year. The calculation method is LIFO (Last In, First Out). Losses can be offset within 4 years.
| Obligation | Form | Who must file | What you pay | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership monitoring | RW | All crypto holders | IVCA 0.20% on Dec 31 value | Oct 31 (Redditi PF) |
| Capital gains/losses | RT | Those who sold/converted | 26% (or 33%) on gains | Oct 31 (Redditi PF) |
| Tax advance payments | F24 | Those with tax liability | 40% (June) + 60% (Nov) | Jun 30 & Nov 30 |
DAC8: end of crypto anonymity in 2026
Similarly, one of the most important developments for cryptocurrency taxes 2026 is the DAC8 Directive. From 2026, all centralized exchanges must automatically report client data to national tax authorities.
Practical examples: how much you pay in crypto taxes
Scenario 1 — Holder, no sales: €20,000 in Bitcoin at Dec 31. IVCA only: €40.
Scenario 2 — Sale with gain: Bought 1 BTC at €30,000, sold at €50,000. Gain: €20,000. Tax at 26% = €5,200.
Scenario 3 — Sale at a loss: Bought ETH at €4,000, sold at €2,500. Loss of €1,500. No tax, carryforward for 4 years.
Legal strategies to optimize crypto taxes
Finally, here are completely legal strategies: hold (don’t sell) to avoid realizing gains; offset losses against gains in the same fiscal year; carry forward unused losses for 4 years; invest via crypto ETFs/ETPs (stay at 26% regardless).
FAQ about cryptocurrency taxes
How much tax do you pay on cryptocurrency in Italy in 2026?
In 2026, capital gains from cryptocurrencies are taxed at 26% as a substitute tax. A previously planned increase to 33% was reportedly blocked to align with other financial instruments. Additionally, you pay IVCA (crypto tax) of 0.20% on portfolio value as of December 31.
Do I need to declare crypto even if I haven’t sold?
Yes, the Quadro RW (fiscal monitoring) is mandatory for anyone holding cryptocurrencies, even without any transactions. You must declare ownership and pay the 0.20% IVCA on the value as of December 31.
How are crypto capital gains calculated in 2026?
The legally required method is LIFO (Last In, First Out). Capital gains are calculated as the difference between selling price and LIFO purchase price. Losses can be offset within 4 years.
Are crypto-to-crypto swaps taxed in 2026?
Swaps between cryptocurrencies (e.g. BTC to ETH) are fiscally neutral. However, conversions to fiat currency or USD-pegged stablecoins trigger taxable events.
What changes with DAC8 for crypto in 2026?
From 2026, the DAC8 Directive requires exchanges to automatically report Italian clients’ data to tax authorities: balances, transactions and tax residency. Anonymity on centralized exchanges no longer exists.
Conclusion: cryptocurrency taxes 2026 in summary
In conclusion, the cryptocurrency taxes 2026 landscape is evolving but the fixed points are clear: mandatory declaration, 0.20% IVCA, LIFO method, and automatic data exchange. The golden rule is to declare everything and pay on time — penalties for omission are far more costly than the taxes themselves.
📚 Sources and references
Founder of Vextor Capital. Focused on financial education and technology guides, with emphasis on crypto taxation, digital investments and regulatory compliance. Full profile →