How are crypto assets declared in Italy (quadro RW, capital gains tax)?

Quadro RW: monitoring and the tax on value

Quadro RW is the section of the return used to monitor assets that could produce taxable income. For crypto it applies regardless of whether the tokens sit on a foreign exchange, an Italian platform or a self-custody wallet. Each holding is reported with its value at the start and end of the year (or of the holding period) and the tax on the value of crypto assets is calculated in the same section.

When a gain is taxable

Gains on crypto are classified as 'redditi diversi' and reported in the capital gains section of the return. The taxable event is the realisation of the gain, not the mere increase in value.

• Conversion of crypto into euros or another fiat currency: taxable.
• Use of crypto to pay for goods or services: taxable.
• Swap between crypto assets with the same characteristics and functions: in principle not a taxable event.
• Staking or similar rewards: may be taxable income on receipt; check the current guidance with your advisor.

What you need to document

The gain is the difference between the sale value and the documented acquisition cost. Without proof of cost, the gain may be calculated on a much higher amount. Keep exchange statements, transaction exports, wallet addresses and evidence of the original purchase. Where data is missing (closed exchanges, old wallets, DeFi), a blockchain reconstruction can link today's holdings to their origin and support the cost basis.

Since 1 January 2026 the EU DAC8 directive requires crypto service providers to collect and report client data to tax authorities, so the information available to the Agenzia delle Entrate is increasing.

Why it matters elsewhere

Italy combines three elements found in many tax systems: a reporting duty for holdings, a tax on their value and a tax on gains realised on disposal. Wherever you live, a gain is usually calculated against a documented acquisition cost, so missing purchase records cost money in almost every country. As an EU member state, Italy also shows what DAC8 reporting means in practice for residents of other EU countries.

How Advisorn helps

This is general information, not tax advice; your commercialista or tax advisor files the return. Advisorn Forensics prepares signed reports that reconstruct acquisition history, holdings and flows from on-chain data, which your advisor can use to support values in quadro RW and the cost basis of gains.