How does Dutch tax apply to cryptocurrency — does Box 3 cover crypto?

In the Netherlands, cryptocurrency held as a personal investment is treated as an asset in Box 3. There is no separate capital gains tax on crypto. Instead, the value of your crypto holdings on 1 January is added to your total Box 3 assets, and you pay the notional return tax on the net amount above the tax-free threshold.

You must report the value of all cryptocurrency holdings (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and any other coins or tokens) at their market value in euros on 1 January. The Belastingdienst expects taxpayers to use a reputable exchange rate for valuation. Wallets on exchanges and self-custody wallets must both be included.

Crypto-to-crypto swaps, purchases with crypto, or transfers between wallets are not taxable events for Box 3 purposes; only the year-end value matters. However, if you earn crypto through staking, mining, or as payment for services, those receipts are income and may fall into Box 1 as business income or other income.

The Belastingdienst has been increasing enforcement around crypto. Dutch exchanges are required to report customer data under EU DAC8 rules from 2026, and the Belastingdienst has issued guidance advising taxpayers to report crypto holdings even if not asked explicitly on the pre-filled return.