Do you think a 10% tax on Bitcoin profits is fair for long-term investors?

[aNot!FicaT!on]

I saw a news today. Greek Parliament recently approved a new law imposing a 10% tax on profits earned from cryptocurrency. This is the first full-fledged legal framework on cryptocurrency taxation in the country. The new rule is scheduled to come into effect on January 1, 2027.

According to the new law, no tax will be paid if the net profit earned from crypto is up to €500 per year. However, if this limit is exceeded, a 10% tax will be applied to the entire net profit. And even if a product or service is purchased with Bitcoin, you may have to pay tax based on the profit calculation. On the other hand, if you just buy Bitcoin and hold it for a long time and do not sell it, you will not have to pay tax because its value increases.

However, not all European countries tax cryptocurrency at the same rate. For example, in France, the prevailing tax rate on crypto profits is about 30%, while in Greece it is kept at 10%, That is, they have a percentage 3 times lower than France. Other countries may also have different percentages..

Various countries are now trying to bring cryptocurrency under their existing tax system, I think that as cryptocurrency becomes more popular in the future, governments will also start taking more steps in this sector.

However, I would like to know how you view this decision?
Is a 10% tax on Bitcoin profits a reasonable rate? And is such a tax system good for the cryptocurrency market,? And what is it like for crypto users? or will it discourage long-term investors?


https://bitcoinmagazine.com/news/greece-approves-10-crypto-gains-tax

What the levy covers for bitcoin holders
The tax is set to apply from Jan. 1, 2027, Greek coverage of the finance ministry bill says. It is levied on the net gain — the difference between the acquisition price and the transfer price — not on the full sale proceeds. Trading fees and other costs tied to the deal can factor into that calculation.

A taxable transfer is not limited to selling for euros. Using cryptocurrency to buy goods or services, or contributing it to cover or increase company capital, can also crystallize a gain under the new rules. That matters for anyone in Greece who pays a merchant in bitcoin rather than converting first.

Simply holding bitcoin while its euro value rises does not, by itself, create a tax bill. Crypto-to-crypto swaps, such as bitcoin for another token, are treated as non-taxable events in the explanatory material that accompanied the bill, matching the approach France has used to avoid taxing every hop between coins.

Net annual gains at or below €500 are exempt. Greek analyses of the text say that once net gains clear that ceiling, the 10% rate applies to the full net gain for the year, not only the slice above €500. Losses above €500 in a tax year may be carried forward for up to five years and offset only against future crypto capital gains.

Purchases of crypto assets are also being pulled into Greece’s existing “source of funds” checks from 2027, so buyers may need to show that the euros used to acquire bitcoin or other tokens came from declared income or other lawful capital. The rule does not add a separate purchase tax; it widens the audit trail around how coins were funded.

[Charles-Tim]

However, I would like to know how you view this decision?
Is a 10% tax on Bitcoin profits a reasonable rate? And is such a tax system good for the cryptocurrency market,? And what is it like for crypto users? or will it discourage long-term investors?

Discourage them or they will go fully noncustodial and P2P without anything centralized in-between? Although, 10% tax on crypto profit is not a bad idea at all. In my country, it is 15% and up to 25% for individuals, but up to 30% for businesses.

The tax will not affect the crypto market.

I do not think it will discourage investors, but some people may prefer noncustodial and P2P because of it. Just to evade it.

[passwordnow]

However, I would like to know how you view this decision?
Is a 10% tax on Bitcoin profits a reasonable rate? And is such a tax system good for the cryptocurrency market,?

If it's about the percentage tax rate, I think it's not that a lot. Compared to the other countries, they might have up to 30% or even higher. As long as there's no selling that's happening, there's no taxation. Because it's bs to charge taxes if someone who's holding for so long and never sold but the government mandates that tax even that holder is at loss atm. They're clear that it will only happen if the holder decides to sell whether they'll be in profit or loss as long as the transaction happened.

And what is it like for crypto users? or will it discourage long-term investors?

Maybe for the holders based on Greece it might discourage them and will relocate somewhere if they find this new taxation law unfavorable.

[Rashlyowl]

However, I would like to know how you view this decision?
Is a 10% tax on Bitcoin profits a reasonable rate? And is such a tax system good for the cryptocurrency market,? And what is it like for crypto users? or will it discourage long-term investors?

High taxes will certainly make investors think twice about investing in crypto, 10% in Greece & 30% in France are high taxes when compared to what we have in our country. In our country, the crypto tax system applies only to sell transactions, at a rate of 0.21%. Government does not care whether a profit or a loss is realized, all they know is whenever we sell, they are entitled to 0.21% of the proceeds.

[X-ray]

Fair or not depends on whether they enforce the same thing to stock, commodities, or other thing that could make capital gain. If they selectively enforce only to crypto, then it's not fair.

Frankly, every nation have their own rules and appetite for taxation, it's not as simple as whether they taxed your capital gain or not.

The more concerning thing is actually how they enforce the taxation, do they also enforce capital gain tax on payment that involves cryptocurrency?

Because that could potentially become a bigger problem.

[OcTradism]

Tax on profit, capital gain tax is fair enough but there are governments like the Dutch which proposed to tax citizens with Unrealized Capital Gain annually. That's more terrible for citizens than taxing on capital gains.

Dutch tax refugee: which country to move to?

If you want to pay less capital gain tax, you will have to immigrate to another nation.
https://www.globalcitizensolutions.com/crypto-tax-haven/

[pooya87]

While 10% is not the highest tax rate that exists but it is still not good for investors and traders who would have to constantly pay the government.

But a much more important question that needs to be asked in cases like this is: where does that tax money go?
The pain of having to give up part of your hard earned money is slightly more tolerable if you know that money is being spent building the country (eg. on healthcare, public transport, general services the government provide, the education, infrastructure, etc.), but it is not acceptable when it is being wasted, stolen/embezzled, and so on...
In Europe these days and specifically among NATO members the tax payers money is being wasted on NATO's warmongering and worst of all it is being used to fund various terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda, Israel and ISIS.

In the current situation even 0.1% tax is extremely high and unacceptable.

[legiteum]

Bitcoin should be taxed no differently than any other investment product.

[obuoma]

However, I would like to know how you view this decision?
Is a 10% tax on Bitcoin profits a reasonable rate? And is such a tax system good for the cryptocurrency market,? And what is it like for crypto users? or will it discourage long-term investors?

Discourage them or they will go fully noncustodial and P2P without anything centralized in-between? Although, 10% tax on crypto profit is not a bad idea at all. In my country, it is 15% and up to 25% for individuals, but up to 30% for businesses.

The tax will not affect the crypto market.

I do not think it will discourage investors, but some people may prefer noncustodial and P2P because of it. Just to evade it.

If going noncustodial will make people evade paying taxes, a lot of people will use that option because no one wants to pay too many taxes on a volatile asset like Bitcoin. But honestly, will anyone holding his Bitcoin in a private wallet be said to be evading taxes even if the  Bitcoin rises in price?

Using P2P is not a way of evading taxes, the person receiving the fiat will still need to pay taxes for capital gains so that is not avoiding taxes. For some countries, you are taxed for every deposit you receive unless the description falls into some exempted list.

[stadus]

The more concerning thing is actually how they enforce the taxation, do they also enforce capital gain tax on payment that involves cryptocurrency?

Because that could potentially become a bigger problem.

That's the problem, but we have no choice as it is under the law, (not only in this country actually) It's also applicable to payments for goods and services as long as the value of Bitcoin has increased since you purchased it. However, you only need to pay tax on the profit from the portion of Bitcoin you spend not the entire Bitcoin you purchased.

For example, if you bought $1,000 worth of Bitcoin and its value doubled to $2,000 then you used $500 to purchase something, the original cost of that Bitcoin would be $250. So your capital gain is only $250, and the 10% tax would be $25 before any applicable exemption.

So it's not only when you sell Bitcoin for cash, but also when you use Bitcoin to purchase goods or services.

[cryptoaddictchie]

Various countries are now trying to bring cryptocurrency under their existing tax system, I think that as cryptocurrency becomes more popular in the future, governments will also start taking more steps in this sector.

However, I would like to know how you view this decision?
Is a 10% tax on Bitcoin profits a reasonable rate? And is such a tax system good for the cryptocurrency market,? And what is it like for crypto users? or will it discourage long-term investors?

I guess taxes will never dies down on all countries. People or users tend not to agree with all the taxes from crypto profits and this is a sensitive topic cause Government always try to tax on anything but how about the users losses on their investment and trading? Does it being considered when taxes are being computed.

I dont find it reasonable. Crypto made to be use and consider as an outside entity on most systems that needs a big clarification and proper assesment.

[Natalim]

I don't think that's really alarming since tax is very basic, actually even in the US tax on capital gains could go as high as 20% while that one is only 10% so it's still lower compared to the US. and I believe they follow the same principle when it comes to taxation which is it could be either selling your Bitcoin or buying something using your Bitcoin.

So I would say that's fair, although we don't like Bitcoin to be taxed, but sadly we don't have a choice,  but there's a way you can avoid paying taxes and that is by not selling your Bitcoin as they don't tax unrealized gains as far as I know. That is HODL.

[Don Pedro Dinero]

However, I would like to know how you view this decision?
Is a 10% tax on Bitcoin profits a reasonable rate?

Yes, because it’s a low tax rate compared with other countries, as has been mentioned. As it’s an EU country, it was clear that the rate wouldn’t be 0 per cent, so 10 per cent is actually quite good.

And is such a tax system good for the cryptocurrency market,? And what is it like for crypto users? or will it discourage long-term investors?[/b]

On the contrary, I believe that capital taxes set at a reasonable rate encourage investment.

[ABCbits]

ive seen different asset/investment option have higher tax, so 10% is definitely within acceptable rate.

A taxable transfer is not limited to selling for euros. Using cryptocurrency to buy goods or services, or contributing it to cover or increase company capital, can also crystallize a gain under the new rules. That matters for anyone in Greece who pays a merchant in bitcoin rather than converting first.

This will discourage people from making payment with Bitcoin or other coin/token, since i expect it will make process of filling tax form become more complicated.

[GreatArkansas]

ive seen different asset/investment option have higher tax, so 10% is definitely within acceptable rate.

A taxable transfer is not limited to selling for euros. Using cryptocurrency to buy goods or services, or contributing it to cover or increase company capital, can also crystallize a gain under the new rules. That matters for anyone in Greece who pays a merchant in bitcoin rather than converting first.

This will discourage people from making payment with Bitcoin or other coin/token, since i expect it will make process of filling tax form become more complicated.

This is the bigger issue. If every time you buy something with Bitcoin you need to compute capital gains, people will just keep using fiat for spending; this will just make it more confusing, especially since we are still in the early days of Bitcoin, and some may find this a hassle.

[hyudien]

However, not all European countries tax cryptocurrency at the same rate. For example, in France, the prevailing tax rate on crypto profits is about 30%, while in Greece it is kept at 10%, That is, they have a percentage 3 times lower than France. Other countries may also have different percentages..

Various countries are now trying to bring cryptocurrency under their existing tax system, I think that as cryptocurrency becomes more popular in the future, governments will also start taking more steps in this sector.

Cryptocurrency becomes the most highlighted sector by the government now, so many transactions up to billions of dollars that in the end the government gives obligations to its citizens to pay taxes, the point is that there is a circulation of money so taxes become mandatory in any country.

The list of countries that apply high or low taxes, especially in Europe is on average high. https://taxopilot.com/global/crypto-friendly-countries-2026/

However, I would like to know how you view this decision?
Is a 10% tax on Bitcoin profits a reasonable rate? And is such a tax system good for the cryptocurrency market,? And what is it like for crypto users? or will it discourage long-term investors?

Investors will not be discouraged, even though the government applies high taxes growth in the crypto market is getting higher and I am also taxed when making transactions.

I read about Greek taxes, capital gains at 10% tax, gains from staking or lending at 15% tax.

Investors will not be discouraged, even though the government applies high taxes growth in the crypto market is getting higher and I am also taxed when making transactions.

I read about Greek taxes, capital gains at 10% tax, gains from staking or lending at 15% tax.

Although Indonesia's tax rate of 0.21% on sales remains a record high every year, crypto users are increasing to 23 million people.

https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20261102083743-4-781370/5-tahun-pungutan-pajak-kripto-rp218-t-fintech-tembus-rp54-t
https://infobanknews.com/aset-kripto-makin-diminati-masyarakat-indonesia-ini-buktinya

[Russlenat]

This is the bigger issue. If every time you buy something with Bitcoin you need to compute capital gains, people will just keep using fiat for spending; this will just make it more confusing, especially since we are still in the early days of Bitcoin, and some may find this a hassle.

I think there shouldn't be any confusion if the tax law is easy to understand. Of course, buying things using Bitcoin should also be taxable, otherwise, people might use it to avoid paying taxes. The rules they made are not entirely their own, as they are still based on the rules in major countries like the US and UK.

[davis196]

However, not all European countries tax cryptocurrency at the same rate. For example, in France, the prevailing tax rate on crypto profits is about 30%, while in Greece it is kept at 10%, That is, they have a percentage 3 times lower than France. Other countries may also have different percentages..

That's a big problem for the crypto industry located in the EU. Different European Union countries have different regulations and different tax rates for the crypto investors. The EU must have one tax rate for crypto and unified legislation regarding cryptocurrencies. The MiCA act is a step in the right direction, but it targets only the crypto companies and exchanges, not the crypto investors(as far as I know).
Everybody hates taxes. The most reasonable tax rate over crypto would be 0% if you ask me. 10% is fine, but I would hate to pay such tax, if I had to. Perhaps the tax authorities in my country would "knock on my door" some day and I will have to pay the tax plus fines and an interest rate for delayed payments.

[Somegory]

I don't know about the condition of other countries but if my government decides to try this nonsensity with me in this country I will stop using centralised exchanges for good, and completely walk into full privacy.

The only way left for me to buy will be real P2P where passing KYC is not available, unlike the fake P2P service that this online exchanges are giving to people, those aren't real P2P anyway.

The economy of my country is way too bad and that 10% tax that someone is saying isn't big enough will go along way here, we are gasping air to stay alive here, it's not that easy.

[Japinat]

I don't know about the condition of other countries but if my government decides to try this nonsensity with me in this country I will stop using centralised exchanges for good, and completely walk into full privacy.

The only way left for me to buy will be real P2P where passing KYC is not available, unlike the fake P2P service that this online exchanges are giving to people, those aren't real P2P anyway.

The economy of my country is way too bad and that 10% tax that someone is saying isn't big enough will go along way here, we are gasping air to stay alive here, it's not that easy.

That's a good strategy to avoid taxes, but the tracing does not start from selling. Because if the government in your country is really strict in implementing taxes on crypto gains, they will trace from the start (when you acquire Bitcoin) until you sell it, even if you acquire your Bitcoin through P2P (without KYC) and sell it through P2P there's still a possibility of tracing the transactions. Another risk to that is security, since it's risky to trust someone you are transacting with that you don't know personally.