Doctrine by topic · DGT Observatory

Crypto-assets: DGT doctrinal evolution

How the DGT's position on this topic has evolved, and the rulings it rests on.

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How the DGT's position has evolved

Settled doctrine High confidence 10 rulings · 2022–2026

Current position

Cryptocurrencies are intangible movable assets whose sales generate capital gains or losses in the savings tax base, calculated independently for each type of asset using the FIFO method. Income from staking, DeFi, or loans is classified as income from movable capital through the transfer of own funds. The theft of crypto-assets is integrated into the general tax base as a capital loss, provided the loss is proven. Crypto-assets form part of the net wealth for Wealth Tax, valued at market price.

The DGT's position remains constant in classifying crypto-assets as intangible assets and their treatment in the savings tax base. The doctrine has progressively specified certain aspects, such as the application of the FIFO method for partial sales, the integration of losses due to theft into the general tax base, and the obligation to report using Form 721 based on the value of balances at the close of the fiscal year.

Turning points

  1. V0648-24

    Specifies that buying, selling, and exchanging generates capital gains or losses calculated separately for each type of cryptocurrency.

  2. V1174-25

    Establishes that the theft of crypto-assets constitutes a capital loss integrable into the general tax base, conditioned on the proof of the loss.

  3. V0889-26

    Defines the application of the FIFO method for calculating partial sales of the same type of cryptocurrency.

Analysis based on 10 of 10 rulings with a stated position. Updated 28 September 2026.

Rulings on this topic

10
V0889-26 22 Apr 2026

Cryptocurrency sales taxed as capital gains, exempt from VAT

SG de Tributación de las Operaciones Financieras
criptoactivosganancias y pérdidas patrimonialesbienes inmaterialesrenta del ahorrométodo fifo LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 2LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 33.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0612-26 17 Mar 2026

Staking income taxed as capital gains or patrimonial gains

SG de Tributación de las Operaciones Financieras
stakingcriptoactivoscapital mobiliarioganancia patrimonialpermuta LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 2LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 14.1.a
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V2432-25 11 Dec 2025

Tokens must be declared in Wealth Tax despite sale restrictions

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
tokenssmart contractlock uppatrimonio netoprecio de mercado LIP — Ley 19/1991 del Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio art. 1LIP — Ley 19/1991 del Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio art. 3
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V1174-25 1 Jul 2025

Bitcoin theft may be treated as a capital loss if properly justified

SG de Impuestos sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas
pérdida patrimonialbitcoinsbase imponible generaljustificación de pérdidasvariación patrimonial LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 33.1LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 33.5.a
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0666-25 14 Apr 2025

Cryptocurrencies not considered actions or shares for residency gain regime

SG de Tributación de las Operaciones Financieras
ganancias patrimonialescambio de residenciamonedas virtualescriptoactivosacciones o participaciones LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 95.bisLGT — Ley 58/2003 General Tributaria art. 89.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V2007-24 19 Sept 2024

Crypto consultancy services classified as professional activity in IAE

SG de Impuestos sobre el Consumo
impuesto sobre actividades económicasactividad profesionalprestación de serviciosno sujecióncriptoactivos TRLRHL — RDLeg 2/2004 de Haciendas Locales art. 78TRLRHL — RDLeg 2/2004 de Haciendas Locales art. 83
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V1766-22 26 Jul 2022

Staking rewards classified as capital gains, not economic activity

SG de Tributación de las Operaciones Financieras
stakingblockchaincapital mobiliariocriptoactivosvalidación de bloques LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 25.2LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 27.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual

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