How to File Crypto Tax in Switzerland

How to File Crypto Tax in Switzerland (2026 Guide)

Switzerland has a unique approach to cryptocurrency taxation. Private individuals generally do not pay capital gains tax on crypto profits, provided their activity is not classified as professional trading. Instead, Switzerland taxes crypto through:

• Income tax on rewards and income events
• Wealth tax on holdings valued at year-end

If your crypto activity resembles business or professional trading, gains may be taxed as income. Because Swiss tax filing rules vary by canton, understanding your local requirements is essential.

How Crypto Is Taxed in Switzerland (2026)

1. Capital Gains (Private Investors)

• Private individuals typically do not pay capital gains tax on profits from selling or disposing of crypto, as long as the activity qualifies as private wealth management.
• Selling crypto, swapping tokens, or spending crypto does not trigger capital gains or income tax for private investors in most cases.

2. Income Tax on Crypto Earnings

• Crypto received as income is taxable, including:
  • Staking rewards
  • Mining rewards
  • Airdrops
  • Referral rewards
  • Compensation paid in crypto
• Income tax rates are progressive, combining:
  • Federal tax (up to ~11.5%)
  • Cantonal tax
  • Municipal tax

Total income tax can be significantly higher depending on your canton.

3. Wealth Tax on Crypto Assets

• Switzerland imposes wealth tax on all personal assets, including crypto.
• Crypto is valued at its fair market value on December 31.
• Wealth tax rates vary by canton and typically range from 0.1% to 1% of net wealth above applicable allowances.

4. Professional or Business Crypto Activity

• If tax authorities classify your crypto activity as professional trading or a business, gains may be taxed as ordinary income.
• This classification can apply when trading is:
  • Frequent
  • Systematic
  • Profit-oriented

Step-by-Step Filing Instructions

Step 1: Collect All Crypto Records

Gather complete records for the calendar year you are filing:

• Transaction dates and types
• Amounts received or disposed of
• Cost basis and fees
• Wallet and exchange exports
• Income receipts (staking, mining, airdrops)

Swiss tax authorities expect accurate and complete documentation, especially for income events and year-end valuations.

Step 2: Determine Your Tax Classification

Classify your crypto activity as one of the following:

• Private investment (most casual investors)
• Business or professional trading (frequent and systematic activity)
• Income-generating crypto activity (staking or mining)

Your classification determines whether gains are taxable and how they must be reported.

Step 3: Calculate Income and Wealth Values

Income Events

• Convert crypto received as income into CHF at the fair market value on the date received.
• Report this amount in the income section of your tax return.

Wealth Tax

• Determine the fair market value of your crypto holdings on December 31.
• Report this amount as part of your total taxable wealth.

Step 4: Convert All Values to Swiss Francs (CHF)

All crypto values must be reported in CHF:

• Use reliable exchange rates for each transaction date
• Maintain conversion records as supporting evidence

Accurate conversions reduce audit risk.

Step 5: Complete Your Swiss Tax Return

Filing procedures vary by canton, but generally you must:

1. Include crypto income in your income tax declaration
2. Include crypto holdings in your wealth tax declaration
3. Report profits as business income if classified as professional activity

Different cantons use different portals and forms. Check your local tax authority (e.g., Zurich, Zug, Bern, Lucerne).

Step 6: Submit Before Cantonal Deadlines

• Typical deadline: March 31, 2026 (for the 2025 tax year)
• Extensions are usually available if requested before the deadline

Recordkeeping and Supporting Documentation

Swiss tax authorities require records to be retained for several years, including:

• Detailed transaction histories
• Cost basis documentation
• Income receipts
• Year-end asset valuations
• CHF conversion records

Strong documentation supports your filing and simplifies audits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Misclassifying trading activity as private investment
2. Not reporting staking or mining rewards as income
3. Failing to declare year-end crypto holdings for wealth tax
4. Using incorrect CHF exchange rates
5. Ignoring cantonal differences in filing requirements
6. Losing cost basis or fee records

Avoiding these errors reduces reassessment risk.

How Kryptos Helps You File Crypto Tax in Switzerland

Kryptos simplifies Swiss crypto tax filing by:

• Automatically importing transactions from wallets and exchanges
• Converting values to CHF using precise historical rates
• Calculating staking, mining, and reward income
• Tracking year-end holdings for wealth tax reporting
• Separating private and business activity classifications
• Generating ready-to-file summaries and audit-ready documentation

With Kryptos, you save time, reduce errors, and ensure compliant filings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I pay tax on crypto gains as a private investor in Switzerland?
Generally no. Private crypto capital gains are tax-free unless you are classified as a professional trader.

2. Is crypto income like staking tax-free?
No. Staking, mining, and similar rewards are taxable as income.

3. Do I need to declare crypto holdings for wealth tax?
Yes. Year-end crypto holdings must be included in your wealth tax declaration.

4. How is wealth tax calculated on crypto?
It is based on your canton’s applicable wealth tax rate applied to your net assets, including crypto.

5. When do I need to file my Swiss tax return?
Typically by March 31 for the previous calendar year, with extensions available.

6. Can Kryptos help with Swiss crypto tax filing?
Yes. Kryptos automates imports, CHF conversions, calculations, and report generation.

Conclusion

Filing crypto tax in Switzerland in 2026 requires accurate reporting of:

• Crypto income
• Year-end wealth values
• Proper classification as private or professional activity

While capital gains are generally tax-free for private investors, income tax and wealth tax still apply, and professional trading may trigger full income taxation.

Using a crypto tax automation tool like Kryptos ensures accurate CHF conversions, precise income tracking, and compliant, ready-to-file documentation—helping you meet Swiss tax obligations with confidence and minimal effort.