Collective information request at Bitcoin.de – and what it means for investors now

Collective information request: Why Bitcoin.de had to provide customer data to the tax office

In recent years, the tax office has submitted collective information requests to the cryptocurrency exchange Bitcoin.de. The aim: to obtain customer data. This data has already been provided. Now the ball is in the court of the tax authorities, who will process and analyze the information and make it available to the individual tax offices responsible for each taxpayer's place of residence.

The result: More and more investors are receiving letters from the tax office, often with very specific questions about their transactions. At this point, it's clear: You yourself are the focus of a tax audit.

How the tax authorities evaluate crypto data and forward it to the tax offices of the taxpayer's place of residence.

The process at a glance

1. Request for collective information to Bitcoin.de - The exchange is obliged to transmit customer data – e.g. trading volumes, deposits and withdrawals, wallet movements.
2. Data processing by the tax authorities – The transmitted raw data is centrally evaluated, organized and split into individual data sets per taxpayer.
3. Forwarding to the tax offices of residence – The respective tax offices receive the data of their taxpayers and compare it with tax returns already submitted.
4. Letter to the taxpayer – Affected investors are contacted directly and must provide information – often under short deadlines and with the threat of tax evasion penalties.

Mail from the tax office: What does this letter mean for crypto investors?

Anyone receiving mail from the tax office must react quickly. This is because it usually doesn't concern general questions, but rather specific transactions and tax returns.

The biggest risks for crypto investors during a tax audit

Anyone targeted by the tax authorities can quickly face serious consequences. Especially with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, even minor discrepancies can have far-reaching repercussions – from back taxes to criminal investigations. The following risks are particularly likely during a tax audit related to cryptocurrencies:

• Comparison of crypto profits with tax returns: If crypto profits were not declared or only partially declared, this is immediately noticeable.
• Risk of tax evasion proceedings: If discrepancies are discovered, tax evasion proceedings can be initiated very quickly.
• Loss of the possibility of self-reporting: Those who only react when the authorities already have all the data often forfeit the chance of a subsequent declaration that would exempt them from punishment.

As a specialized law firm, we can support you with a tax office inquiry regarding Bitcoin.de.

As a specialized law firm in cryptocurrency law, we support you in every phase of the process – from the initial inquiry from the tax office to your defense in tax evasion proceedings. To ensure you can respond optimally to a tax office inquiry regarding Bitcoin.de, we assist you in the following steps:

• Analysis of the tax office inquiry – We check what information was requested and what obligations actually exist.
• Transaction history analysis – Together with you, we reconstruct trading activities on Bitcoin.de and other exchanges, organize wallet transfers, and create comprehensible documentation.
• Legally compliant response to the tax office – We prepare a structured statement containing all required data – without unnecessary risks due to over- or incorrect information.
• Assistance with subsequent declarations and voluntary disclosures – If income has not yet been fully declared, we will professionally prepare the subsequent declaration or voluntary disclosure and coordinate it with the tax authorities.
• Protection in tax criminal proceedings – If an investigation has already been initiated, we will represent you resolutely and with expertise.

Conclusion: How to react correctly if the tax office inquires about Bitcoin.de

The collective information request against Bitcoin.de is long gone – the data is with the tax office. What matters now is how to handle the official correspondence correctly.

Anyone acting unprepared here risks not only substantial back taxes but also criminal prosecution. Specialized support can help you avoid these risks:

• Ensure deadlines are met,
• Document your transactions completely and without gaps
• and legally secure your tax situation.