Everything about the Belgian stock-exchange tax (TOB) and cryptocurrency. Does the TOB apply to crypto purchases and sales? A clear explanation.
TOB (Stock-Exchange Tax) and Cryptocurrency in Belgium - Content Summary
Main topic
The article explains Belgium's TOB (Tax on Stock-Exchange Transactions / stock-exchange transaction tax) and clarifies how it applies to cryptocurrency.
Key points
TOB definition
"A Belgian tax levied on specific transactions in financial instruments such as shares, bonds and investment funds."
Cryptocurrency application
The article states that "cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum are not regarded as 'financial instruments'" under Belgian TOB legislation, meaning that direct purchases and sales on exchanges are typically not subject to this tax.
Important exceptions
- Crypto ETFs and funds listed on regulated exchanges may be subject to TOB
- Crypto derivatives (futures, options) traded on regulated markets may trigger TOB
For direct crypto investors
Those who buy/sell directly on platforms such as Kraken or Binance do not pay TOB. They are, however, subject to the capital gains tax (10% in Belgium).
Practical guidance
The site recommends consulting a tax adviser for specific situations and notes that Cryptotax does not calculate TOB on direct crypto transactions.
Related resources
The article links to guides on Belgian capital gains tax, taxable crypto transactions and personal income tax reporting requirements.
