Italy Crypto Taxes 2026: Complete Guide to Rules, Rates & Reporting

Crypto Taxes in Italy: The Complete 2026 Guide

 

Quick Summary

Italy introduced a dedicated tax framework for cryptocurrency in 2023, classifying digital assets as taxable financial instruments and applying specific rules for capital gains, income, and reporting. Crypto gains above €2,000 per year are subject to a 26% tax rate, while mining, staking, and professional activity are taxed as income. The Agenzia delle Entrate provides guidance through the “Redditi diversi” category and annual declarations.

 

How Italy Classifies Cryptocurrency for Tax Purposes

 

Crypto as a Financial Asset

Italy’s tax authority (Agenzia delle Entrate) classifies cryptocurrencies as digital financial assets (*cripto-attività*). They fall under taxable capital gains when disposed of and under “miscellaneous income” (*Redditi diversi*) when earned through certain activities.

 

Key Legal Framework

The current tax regulation for crypto is based on:

• Legge di Bilancio 2023 – introduced a full crypto tax regime
• Agenzia delle Entrate guidance – defines crypto as taxable under “Redditi diversi”
• Italian Tax Code (Normattiva) – general rules applied to digital assets and capital gains

 

Taxable Crypto Events in Italy

 

1. Selling Cryptocurrency for Fiat

Profits from selling crypto for euros or other fiat currencies trigger capital gains tax if annual gains exceed €2,000.

 

2. Trading Crypto for Crypto

Crypto-to-crypto exchanges are considered taxable disposals. Gains must be calculated using the fair market value of assets at the time of the trade.

 

3. Spending Crypto

Using crypto for purchases counts as a disposal, generating gains or losses subject to taxation.

 

4. Receiving Crypto as Income

Income from mining, staking, yield farming, airdrops, or employment is classified as income and taxed according to individual income tax rates.

 

5. Professional or Business Crypto Activity

If crypto activity meets the criteria for commercial activity, it may be taxed under business income rules, including VAT and IRAP obligations.

 

Capital Gains Tax Rates on Crypto in Italy

 

Standard Rate: 26%

Capital gains above €2,000 per tax year are taxed at a flat rate of 26%. Gains below the €2,000 threshold are exempt.

 

Allowable Costs

Acquisition costs, transaction fees, and other related expenses can be deducted when calculating taxable gains.

 

Income Tax on Crypto Earnings

 

What Counts as Crypto Income?

• Mining rewards
• Staking yields
• Airdrops
• Crypto received through employment or freelancing
• Interest or rewards from DeFi platforms

Crypto income is taxed according to individual progressive income tax brackets, which range from 23% to 43% depending on total income.

 

Reporting Requirements for Crypto in Italy

 

Quadro RW (Foreign Asset Reporting)

Italian residents must declare cryptocurrency held on foreign exchanges via *Quadro RW*, used for monitoring foreign financial assets.

 

Unico PF / Annual Tax Return

Capital gains and income must be reported in the annual Italian income tax return (*Modello Redditi PF* or *730* depending on the taxpayer).

 

Imposta di Bollo (Stamp Duty)

Crypto assets may be subject to a 0.2% annual stamp duty, particularly when held through Italian custodians or regulated intermediaries.

 

How Losses on Crypto Are Treated

 

Offsetting Crypto Losses

Crypto losses can offset other capital gains in the same tax year. Unused losses may be carried forward for future years under Italian tax rules.

 

Special Cases: NFTs, Airdrops & DeFi

 

NFT Transactions

NFTs fall under the same disposal rules as other crypto assets. Income earned from NFT creation or royalties is taxable as self-employment income.

 

DeFi Activity

Rewards from lending, liquidity pools, and yield farming are taxed as income. Disposals of DeFi tokens create capital gains subject to the 26% rate.

 

How to Prepare Crypto Taxes in Italy

 

Tracking Transactions

Accurate documentation is essential, including transaction histories, euro valuations, exchange logs, and wallet movements. Tax software can simplify these requirements.

 

Using Crypto Tools for Italy

Many crypto platforms support Italy-specific requirements, including Quadro RW reporting and calculations for the 26% capital gains regime.

 

Penalties for Non-Compliance

 

Failure to declare crypto income, gains, or foreign accounts may lead to penalties, interest, and audits. Italy has strengthened oversight of crypto exchanges and custodians to improve compliance.

 

Conclusion

 

Italy’s crypto tax regime provides a clear structure for capital gains, income tax, and reporting obligations. With a 26% tax on gains above €2,000 and strict foreign asset reporting rules, proper documentation and timely filing are essential for compliance.

 

References / Sources

 

• Koinly – Crypto Tax Italy Guide
• Blockchain4Innovation – Crypto Taxation Overview
• Agenzia delle Entrate – Official Tax Authority
• Normattiva – Italian Tax Code Database