- The objective of DAC8 is to further improve tax transparency within the EU, enabling tax authorities to better track income generated from cryptocurrencies.
- Under DAC8, providers of regulated crypto trading platforms such as BISON are required to report user data to tax authorities as part of their statutory reporting obligations. As a user, you are not directly subject to reporting requirements yourself. User data is reported automatically to the relevant authorities within the EU.
- For BISON's reporting to be carried out correctly, existing BISON users must keep their master data up to date in their account and provide all their tax IDs in their user account by no later than December 13, 2026. Trading in cryptocurrencies is of course unrestricted for BISON users until this date.
- New BISON users may only start trading after completing the onboarding process and providing their tax IDs in their account. If new customers do not provide their tax IDs, they cannot trade.
What does DAC8 mean for crypto investors?
DAC8 is an EU directive. Even before its introduction, EU tax authorities exchanged standardized data on bank accounts and financial assets under the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI). Since January 1, 2026, transactions involving cryptocurrencies have also been included.
As a result, service providers such as BISON are now required to collect, verify, and report certain data relating to crypto investors and their transactions to the relevant authorities.
From an investor’s perspective, it is important to note that DAC8 does not introduce higher taxation per se but rather increases transparency and legal clarity.
When does DAC8 apply in Germany?
DAC8 came into force across the EU on January 1, 2026. Our new reporting obligations apply to transactions from January 1, 2026. The first reporting will take place in 2027 – retroactively for the tax year 2026. DAC8 does not impose any additional tax burden on investors.
Please note: Tax authorities may still request older data. Earlier crypto transactions may therefore remain tax-relevant and may need to be reported retrospectively if required.
You can find a complete overview of all your transactions on BISON in the Info Report, which is available at any time under Account → Reports → Crypto Info Report.
Which data is reported under DAC8?
The reporting required under DAC8 is handled by BISON on your behalf. The following data is reported:
- Personal identification data (e.g. name, address, date of birth)
- Tax residency information and tax IDs
- Crypto transactions (e.g. purchases and sales) and transaction amounts
- Transfers (e.g. deposits/withdrawals) and transfer amounts
- Staking rewards
BISON does not transmit any data beyond what is legally required.
What do I need to do under DAC8?
The following applies if you are a BISON user:
- Ensure your personal details are kept up to date in your BISON account under Account → Profile.
- Your German tax ID is an 11-digit number on your income tax assessment notice or salary tax certificate.
- If you are subject to taxation in multiple countries, you must provide all of your tax IDs.
- By December 13, 2026 at the latest, you must provide your tax ID or tax IDs under “Tax Information” → “Tax ID”.
This is how you provide your required data on BISON:
- Update your BISON app to the latest version.
- A banner in the app will alert you to DAC8.
- Clicking on it takes you to the input page.
- Provide your tax residences and the corresponding tax IDs.
- Then click the checkbox.
- Submit your tax data.
- You will be shown that you have successfully submitted your self-declaration.
If you already trade securities at BISON, changes to your stored tax information are only possible via our customer support.
FAQ
What is a tax self-declaration?
A tax self-declaration contains the relevant information that you provide yourself about your tax situation. This includes, for example, your tax ID or your current personal master data. Without your tax self-declaration, we cannot fully comply with our obligations under EU Directive DAC8.
What happens if I do not provide my tax ID to BISON?
BISON will remind you in a timely manner and on a regular basis to provide your tax ID before December 13, 2026. As a regulated crypto platform in Germany, BISON is legally required to report customer and transaction data to the Federal Tax Office (BZSt) and cannot fully meet its legal obligations under DAC8 without your tax ID.
DAC8 applies to all regulated crypto exchanges, brokers, and custodial service providers within the EU – and also to providers outside the EU with customers in the EU.
If a user does not provide their tax ID by December 13, 2026, BISON must temporarily block that user’s access for legal reasons until the tax ID is provided.
Will my taxes be automatically paid with DAC8?
No. DAC8 only regulates the reporting of tax-relevant data. Your taxes will not be automatically deducted. The responsibility for the taxation of your cryptocurrencies remains with you as a user. Further information can be found in questions and answers. For specific questions about taxes, please contact a tax or legal advisor.
The DAC8 directive brings more clarity and transparency for crypto investors. By relying on regulated providers and documenting your data and transactions transparently, you benefit from a secure environment and avoid unpleasant surprises. DAC8 represents an important step in this regard for the mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrencies.