Forex Trading Tax Guide for Europe

Forex trading profits are subject to the Abgeltungsteuer (flat tax) of 25% plus 5.5% solidarity surcharge and optional church tax, totaling approximately 26.375%. Losses can be offset against other capital gains. Since 2021, losses from certain derivatives are limited to EUR 20,000 per year in offset against gains from similar instruments.

Forex profits are subject to the Prelevement Forfaitaire Unique (PFU/flat tax) of 30% (12.8% income tax + 17.2% social contributions). Alternatively, taxpayers can opt for progressive income tax rates if more favorable. Losses can be carried forward for 10 years.

Forex trading profits are taxed at a flat rate of 26% (imposta sostitutiva). Losses can be offset against gains within the same tax year and carried forward for 4 years. Traders must declare profits in their annual tax return (Modello Redditi).

Forex profits are taxed as savings income (rendimientos del ahorro) on a progressive scale: 19% (up to EUR 6,000), 21% (EUR 6,001-50,000), 23% (EUR 50,001-200,000), 27% (EUR 200,001-300,000), and 28% (above EUR 300,000). Losses can be offset against gains and carried forward for 4 years.

The Netherlands uses a unique wealth tax system (Box 3). Rather than taxing actual trading profits, the Dutch tax authority assumes a fictional return on assets and taxes this at 36% (2025). The assumed return rate depends on the composition of savings, investments, and debts. Active traders may fall under Box 1 (progressive income tax up to 49.5%) if trading is deemed a business activity.

Forex profits are taxed at a flat 19% rate (podatek od zyskow kapitalowych). Losses can be offset against gains from the same type of income and carried forward for 5 years (maximum 50% of losses per year). Traders must file PIT-38 and PIT/ZG forms annually.

Forex profits are subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) at 33%. Losses can be offset against gains in the same year or carried forward indefinitely. The first EUR 1,270 of annual gains is exempt. CGT must be reported and paid in two installments (preliminary and balance).

Forex profits are taxed as capital gains at 30%. Losses can be offset at 70% against other capital income. If the offset results in a capital income deficit, 30% of that deficit (up to SEK 100,000) reduces tax on earned income. Sweden also offers ISK (Investment Savings Accounts) with flat annual taxation, but CFDs/forex are typically not eligible.

Forex profits are subject to Kapitalertragsteuer (capital gains tax) at a flat rate of 27.5%. This applies to all capital gains including forex. Losses from leveraged products can be offset against gains from the same category. Austrian brokers typically withhold KESt automatically.

Belgium has banned the distribution of CFDs, binary options, and forex to retail consumers since 2016 (Royal Decree). Belgian residents can only trade forex through non-Belgian entities, and capital gains from speculative trading may be taxed at 33% as 'diverse income'.

Forex trading profits are subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) at 10% for basic-rate taxpayers or 20% for higher and additional-rate taxpayers. Spread betting profits are generally tax-free as they are classified as gambling. Losses can be offset against gains and the annual CGT allowance (currently GBP 3,000) applies.

Capital gains from private forex trading are generally tax-free in Switzerland for most individuals, as they are considered private asset management. However, if the tax authority classifies a trader as a professional trader (based on frequency, leverage, and volume), profits become taxable as self-employment income at progressive rates.

Forex trading profits are taxed at a flat rate of 28% on capital gains. Traders may opt for progressive income tax rates if their total taxable income results in a lower effective rate. Non-habitual residents (NHR) may benefit from reduced rates under the NHR regime.

Forex trading profits are taxed as capital income at 27% on gains up to DKK 61,000 and 42% on gains above that threshold. Losses can be offset against other capital income. Denmark uses a mark-to-market system for certain derivatives, meaning unrealised gains may also be taxed.

Forex trading profits are taxed as capital income at 30% on gains up to EUR 30,000 and 34% on gains exceeding that threshold. Losses from forex trading can be offset against other capital income for the same tax year and carried forward for 5 years.

Forex trading profits are taxed at a flat rate of 15% on capital gains. This is one of the lowest capital gains tax rates in the EU. Losses can be offset against gains within the same tax year and carried forward for 5 years.

Forex trading profits are taxed at a flat rate of 15%. A notable exemption exists: if securities or financial instruments are held for more than 3 years and annual proceeds do not exceed CZK 100,000, capital gains may be tax-exempt. Losses can be offset against gains in the same category.

Forex trading profits are taxed at a flat rate of 10% on capital gains, one of the lowest rates in the EU. Losses can be offset against capital gains in the same year. Traders must file an annual tax declaration and pay the tax themselves as brokers typically do not withhold.

Forex trading profits are taxed at a flat rate of 22% on capital gains. Losses can be fully deducted against other capital income. Norway applies a wealth tax on net assets above certain thresholds, which may also affect traders with large account balances.