Germany moves to tax bitcoin like stocks as new draft bill targets tax-free gains

German lawmakers have put forward a draft bill that would align the tax treatment of bitcoin with that applied to stocks. The measure seeks to change how gains from cryptocurrency are taxed going forward by treating bitcoin in the same category as equity investments. The draft specifically targets the pathway that can allow tax-free gains from bitcoin, aiming to remove or modify that treatment for future acquisitions. Under current practice, some bitcoin holdings can be sold tax-free if they have been held for at least 12 months. Importantly, the proposal would grandfather existing holdings. That means bitcoins purchased before the bill takes effect would keep the existing tax rules and could still qualify for tax-free treatment after the 12-month holding period. The bill remains at the draft stage and would need to pass the legislative process before becoming law. If adopted, the change would bring cryptocurrency taxation closer to the regime applied to traditional securities and could shift how investors plan around holding periods and tax timing.