Withholding Tax in Austria

Last updated: 01/09/2026

1. What is withholding tax on cryptocurrencies?

New rules governing the taxation of cryptocurrencies came into effect on March 1, 2022. Therefore, KuCoin EU Exchange is legally required to withhold and remit the withholding tax to the Austrian tax authorities on your behalf, ensuring full compliance with new Austrian tax regulations.

Under new Austrian tax regulations, cryptocurrency holdings are treated as “income from capital investments” and are subject to a special withholding tax rate of 27.5%. These regulations apply if you regularly live in Austria or have your primary residence there, regardless of your nationality.

2. What if I bought cryptocurrency before 1 March 2021 but deposited it to KuCoin EU after 1 March 2021?

Your cryptocurrencies are classified as "Old Stock". They are no longer considered taxable under the Austrian crypto withholding tax regime. However, any current income (e.g. interest from lending) is subject to the withholding tax.

3. What if I bought cryptocurrencies on or after 1 March 2021 and deposited it to KuCoin EU?

Your cryptocurrencies are classified as "New Stock". They are considered taxable under the Austrian crypto withholding tax regime.

Please provide the following if known:

Acquisition date or the acquisition period, if the cryptocurrencies were acquired in succession
Acquisition Cost (The total amount you paid, converted to EUR)

Tip: For cryptocurrencies bought in multiple batches, you can provide the date range of your purchases, and the total amount spent.

4. What if I don't know the acquisition date or cost

We are required by law to assume 50% of the sale proceeds is capital gain and withhold tax accordingly (27.5% of the capital gain).