Banking

Crypto Taxes Switzerland 2026

March 1, 2026

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8 min

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checkeverything.ch Team

Crypto taxes Switzerland 2026: CARF framework, automatic exchange of information for crypto assets. What Bitcoin investors need to know.

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CARF: The New Crypto Tax Framework

Switzerland is introducing the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) from 2026/2027. This international OECD framework extends automatic exchange of information (AEOI) to crypto assets.

What is CARF?

Aspect	Details
Full Name	Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework
Developed by	OECD
Goal	Automatic exchange of information for crypto assets
Switzerland Introduction	Planned 2026/2027
Affected Parties	Crypto exchanges, brokers, investors

CARF Timeline Switzerland

Important Milestones

Period	Development	Status
2022	OECD publishes CARF	✓ Completed
2024-2025	Switzerland consultation	✓ Completed
2025	Legislative process	⏳ Ongoing
2026	First data collection	→ Planned
2027	First data exchange	→ Planned

What is Reported?

Which Crypto Assets are Affected?

Asset Type	Examples	CARF Reportable
Cryptocurrencies	Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana	✓ Yes
Stablecoins	USDT, USDC, DAI	✓ Yes
NFTs (fungibly traded)	NFT collections on exchanges	✓ Yes
Utility Tokens	Platform tokens	Partially
CBDCs	Central Bank Digital Currencies	✗ No

What Data is Reported?

Crypto service providers must report the following information to tax authorities:

Data Category	Details
Personal Data	Name, address, date of birth, tax identification number
Account Balance	Total value of crypto assets at year-end
Transactions	Purchases, sales, swaps
Gross Proceeds	Sales proceeds from crypto transactions
Transfers	Deposits and withdrawals to/from external wallets

Impact on Crypto Investors

What Changes for You?

Area	Previously	With CARF
Transparency	Self-declaration	Automatic reporting by exchanges
Data Exchange	No automatic exchange	International with CARF countries
Tax Authorities	Limited control options	Comprehensive data access
Private Wallets	Not captured	Transfers are reported

Private Wallets (Self-Custody)

Important: Private wallets (hardware wallets, software wallets) are not directly reportable. However:

Transfers from exchanges to private wallets are reported
Transfers from private wallets to exchanges are reported
Assets must still be declared in the tax return

Crypto Taxes Switzerland: The Basics

Wealth Tax

Cryptocurrencies in Switzerland are subject to wealth tax:

Aspect	Regulation
Tax Liability	All crypto assets must be declared
Valuation	Market value as of December 31
Price List	FTA publishes official rates
Unlisted Tokens	Market price or CHF 0 (with justification)

Income Tax: Private vs. Professional

Criterion	Private Asset Management	Professional Trading
Capital Gains	Tax-free	Taxable (as income)
Capital Losses	Not deductible	Deductible
Trading Frequency	Occasional	Regular, systematic
Leverage	None/little	Significant
Specialized Knowledge	Normal knowledge	Professional expertise

Most private investors fall under private asset management and benefit from tax-free capital gains.

Staking, Mining, Airdrops

Activity	Tax Treatment
Staking Rewards	Taxable as investment income (like interest)
Mining (private)	Taxable as self-employment income
Airdrops	Taxable as income at time of receipt
DeFi Lending	Interest income is taxable

Preparing for CARF 2026

What You Should Do Now

✅ Checklist for Crypto Investors

☐ Secure transaction history: Document all trades
☐ Create wallet overview: List all wallets and exchanges
☐ Review tax returns: Have all assets been declared?
☐ Voluntary disclosure: Act now if there are omissions
☐ Use software: Utilize crypto tax tools
☐ Consult advisor: For complex situations

Voluntary Disclosure Before CARF

Important: If you have not correctly declared crypto assets in the past, a penalty-free voluntary disclosure may be advisable:

One-time penalty-free option (per person)
Back taxes + interest must be paid
No fine or penalty
Deadline: Act before the first CARF data exchange!

Crypto Tax Software

Tools for Tax Returns

Various tools help with documentation:

Tool	Switzerland-specific	Features
CoinTracking	✓ Yes	Swiss tax report
Koinly	✓ Yes	Automatic import
Blockpit	✓ Yes	DACH-focused
Accointing	✓ Yes	DeFi tracking

Diversify Your Portfolio

In addition to crypto investments, you should diversify your portfolio. A Pillar 3a account offers tax advantages:

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FAQ

When does CARF come into effect in Switzerland?

Data collection is expected to start in 2026, with the first information exchange with partner countries in 2027.

Are foreign exchanges also reported?

Yes, Swiss tax authorities receive data from foreign exchanges in CARF participating countries - and vice versa.

Are private wallets affected?

Private wallets themselves are not reportable, but transfers between exchanges and private wallets are captured.

What happens if I don't declare?

Undeclared crypto assets can lead to back taxes, interest, and penalty taxes (up to 300% of evaded tax).

Should I make a voluntary disclosure?

If you have not correctly declared crypto assets in the past, a voluntary disclosure before CARF introduction may be advisable. Consult a tax advisor.

Conclusion

CARF 2026 brings more transparency to the crypto market. For Swiss investors, this means:

Correct declaration of all crypto assets is more important than ever
Automatic data exchange with international tax authorities
Tax-free capital gains remain for private investors
Prepare now: Create documentation and consider voluntary disclosure if needed

Switzerland remains an attractive location for crypto investors even with CARF - but compliance becomes essential.

Legal Notice: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. The exact regulations may change. For binding information, contact the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) or a qualified tax advisor.