Starting from January 1st, 2026, the DAC8 directive will come into force across the entire European Union, implementing full reporting of cryptocurrency transactions. This is the next step in expanding the EU tax control system, this time aimed exclusively at digital assets and services related to them.
The new regulations will require cryptocurrency exchanges, brokers, and other service providers to collect detailed information about their users and all of their transactions. This data will be forwarded to national tax authorities and then automatically exchanged between tax administrations of EU member states. Cryptocurrencies designed to ensure privacy are about to lose their main advantage.
The official goal of DAC8 is to close the tax gap and put cryptocurrencies on the same level as bank accounts and financial instruments. In practice, this means tax authorities will gain full insight not only into realized profits but also into digital assets held by citizens. This regulation complements MiCA, which focuses on licensing crypto businesses and consumer protection, while DAC8 focuses solely on tax control and reporting.
Crypto market companies must adapt their reporting systems, internal procedures and customer verification processes by July 1st, 2026. Failure to comply after this date will result in sanctions. Reporting will apply to tax years starting in 2026, and the first reports must be submitted to tax administrations by January 31st, 2027.
💥What does this mean for crypto users ⁉️
In cases of suspected tax evasion, authorities will be able to cooperate across borders and even freeze or seize digital assets, even if they are held outside the taxpayer’s country of residence. The regulation will primarily affect small investors, for whom detailed reporting of every transaction increases the risk of mistakes and penalties even with small amounts. Additionally, the new database will give governments extensive insight into citizens’ wealth, potentially becoming the basis for future forms of taxation including tax on unrealized gains, which could further slow down the development of the crypto market in Europe.
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