Switzerland has initiated a public consultation on a new bill that aims to integrate cryptocurrency tax data into its international information exchange agreements. Announced by the Federal Council on Wednesday, this initiative seeks to extend the sharing of crypto asset information to 111 jurisdictions that are part of the existing automatic exchange of information (AEOI) system. This process will be in line with the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework.
Switzerland has been one of the first countries to embrace cryptocurrency. For instance, Lugano has set the pace with the acceptance of taxes in Tether (USDT) and Bitcoin (BTC). Besides, Bitcoin is recognized as a payment system in Switzerland, and such payment systems do not fall under Value Added Tax (VAT).
The new bill is intended to determine from which year Switzerland will start the automatic exchange of information related to crypto business with partner countries. This proposal’s consultation will close on November 15, 2024. Consultations with stakeholders will also take place during this time to solidify the legislative strategy.
Switzerland’s New Crypto Tax Rules to Begin January 2026
The OECD framework outlines a common approach that can be followed by tax administrations for handling and sharing information on crypto assets and, at the same time, allows countries to adapt the rules to their legal frameworks. Such flexibility guarantees the effective satisfaction of the different needs of countries without jeopardizing crucial degrees of openness and cooperation in the fight against tax evasion.
Switzerland’s decision falls perfectly within a global trend of incorporating digital assets into conventional tax regimes. According to the information provided, the new rules are expected to be implemented on January 1, 2026. The proposal explains which, out of the 111 jurisdictions with ongoing AEOI agreements, will engage in the crypto data exchange and future possibilities for other countries that fulfill the OECD criteria.
Lastly, Switzerland is already recognized as one of the most crypto-friendly nations, and this development speaks about further strengthening of the Swiss position both as a cryptocurrency user and as a regulator.
