Germany Draft Bill Would Tax Bitcoin Gains Like Stock Investments

Germany is considering a draft bill that would change how bitcoin gains are taxed, bringing the cryptocurrency closer to the tax treatment applied to stocks. The proposal targets the current possibility of selling bitcoin tax-free after holding it for 12 months. CoinDesk reported that the measure would apply to future holdings, while bitcoin already owned would retain its existing tax treatment. That means current holdings could still qualify for tax-free sales after the 12-month holding period under the rules described in the source material. The proposed change could mark a significant shift in the way Germany treats investment gains from bitcoin, although the material available does not provide further details on the bill’s timing, scope, or legislative status. The development is relevant to bitcoin market participants monitoring regulatory and tax policy changes in major economies.