...of the Worst Places to Hold Crypto

Seriously, what the heck is going on?

As of this year, Italy has scrapped the €2,000 exemption threshold.
Now, any capital gains from crypto are taxed at 26%, regardless of how small the amount is.

But hey — why stop there? 

Starting next year, capital gains will be taxed at a whopping 33%.
Still no threshold, of course.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get worse...
Say hello to the 0.2% patrimonial tax — applied to the highest portfolio value reached during the year. 

So, in short:

• You work, you earn money → taxed

• You use that taxed money to buy crypto

• If it grows → taxed again at 33%

• If it doesn’t grow? You still owe 0.2% of its value

• No legal shortcuts. No holding period tax break. Just pay, just pain. (buy something and pay VAT 22%...) 

In Germany, you can just hold your crypto for 1 year — and pay zero capital gains tax.
So yes, I’m pretty sure Italy is now in the Top 4 worst crypto hells on the planet. 

Ah I forgot. Until 2025 you could pay 14% or 18% (this year) on your whole stock instead of paying the capital gain tax. Option gone in 2026....

Let's do some math:

I bought €1,200 in Bitcoin.
Now it's 2026, and I sold it for €2,000.

• Capital gain = €800

• Tax = 33% → €264

• Wealth tax = 0.2% of €2,000 → €4

Add a couple of euros in transaction fees and gas...
My net gain? About €530.

Sure, there are places with higher taxation or strong restriction on short term trading, but in most cases you can get exemption or reductions if you hold long term or if you move small capitals.

In USA, long-term gains (after 1 year) are taxed max 20%, ( maybe 24% with medicare), Germany as said, as 0% tax if you hold crypto 1 year and in Switzerland you pay 0 unless you are a professional trader. 

... Switzerland which is only 2 hours from Milan.... Anyone got a spare couch in Lugano, Switzerland ? 

Well, at least France is worse than us!

greeting from Italy,

your everyday poorer,

lazyboy