Accord Arizona: 10% on capital gains

• A 10% Capital Gains Tax
• Where are we in the legislative process?
• Impact on Crypto Investors
• Tips for Anticipating Reform
• Things to remember

Belgium could soon introduce a new 10% tax on financial capital gains, including those made on cryptocurrencies. The proposal, which stems from the federal ARIZONA agreement, is already attracting the attention of retail and professional investors. Although the law has yet to be passed, it could come into force as early as 2025 or 2026. Here’s a full roundup of this potential tax reform and its impact on cryptocurrency holders.

A 10% tax on capital gains

This measure aims to broaden the tax base for financial gains, affecting a wide range of taxpayers. Individual investors will be affected, whether they realize capital gains on traditional assets such as stocks and bonds, or on cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. Professional investors, meanwhile, will not be spared either. Even individuals who manage their portfolios personally and without speculative intent, often referred to as “good fathers”, will have to pay this tax if their gains exceed a certain threshold.

Terms and conditions include :

• A rate of 10% applied to net realized capital gains.
• Partial exemption to mitigate the impact on small investors: the first €10,000 of annual gains will not be taxed.
• No retroactivity: only capital gains realized after the law comes into force will be affected.

These provisions offer some protection to small investors, while ensuring that larger gains contribute to tax revenues.

Where are we in the legislative process?

Although the idea of a capital gains tax has been incorporated into the federal ARIZONA agreement, it is not yet legally binding. No specific legislation has yet been passed, and the precise details of the reform have yet to be defined. If the law is passed, it could be implemented between 2025 and 2026.

For investors, this means that it is still too early to draw any definitive conclusions. It’s essential to keep a close eye on how the legislation develops, as the final terms could differ significantly from the current proposals. In the meantime, here are a few key points to bear in mind :

• The ARIZONA agreement simply guides government action.
• No specific legislation has yet been enacted.
• The date of entry into force could be between 2025 and 2026.

Impact on Crypto Investors

Holders of cryptocurrencies will be directly affected by this reform. Gains made on digital currencies will be subject to the 10% tax, just like profits from traditional financial assets. This includes profits generated by the sale of Bitcoin, Ethereum or any other cryptocurrency. For small investors, the exemption of the first €10,000 of annual earnings offers some protection. For example, if you make a gain of €12,000 in one year, only €2,000 will be subject to the 10% tax.

Another reassuring point is the absence of retroactivity. Capital gains realized before the law comes into force will not be affected. This means that investors can still sell their assets tax-free until the reform takes effect. However, it is advisable to start anticipating these changes now, as they could influence your investment strategies in the medium and long term.

Tips for Anticipating the Reform

Faced with this possible tax change, it’s essential to be prepared. Here are a few tips to help you anticipate these changes:

• Track your transactions : Using specialized tools like Waltio can greatly simplify this task. These platforms enable you to keep a clear, organized record of your gains and losses, while generating tax reports that comply with Belgian regulations.
• Anticipate the tax : Even if the tax is not yet in force, start assessing your potential obligations now. This will enable you to better plan your investment strategies and minimize surprises when the reform is implemented.
• Stay informed : Regularly consult reliable sources specializing in the taxation of digital assets to avoid being caught off guard.

Things to remember

Belgium is considering introducing a 10% tax on financial capital gains, including gains on cryptocurrencies. Although this measure is not yet set in stone, it could reshape the tax landscape for investors. Here are the key points to remember :

• The ARIZONA agreement guides government action, but it remains to be seen whether a specific law will actually be enacted.
• Small investors will benefit from a partial exemption, with the first €10,000 of annual gains tax-free.
• Capital gains realized before the law comes into force will not be affected, providing a valuable transition period.

At Waltio, we help investors stay compliant and anticipate tax changes. Our platform enables you to :

• Track your gains and losses in real time.
• Generate tax reports in compliance with Belgian regulations.
• Easily prepare your tax returns.

Whether you’re a small investor or a professional, our tools are designed to help you navigate this new tax environment.

👉 Find out more about our solutions on our blog.