DAC8: Belgian Tax Authorities Have Access to Your Crypto Transactions
- Aeacus Lawyers
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
As of 1 January 2026, the eighth version of the Directive on Administrative Cooperation (DAC8) has formally entered into force. This European directive introduces far-reaching changes for crypto investors, crypto-asset service providers and tax authorities alike. DAC8 significantly strengthens fiscal transparency by imposing extensive reporting obligations specifically targeting crypto-assets and related transactions.
For more information on the entry into force of DAC8 and its legislative background, click here.
What Is DAC8 and What Is Its Impact on Crypto?
DAC8 is the latest extension of the EU Directive on Administrative Cooperation. The directive obliges crypto-asset service providers, such as exchanges and wallet providers, to report extensive information on their customers and transactions.
The ultimate objective is to combat tax avoidance and tax evasion by providing tax authorities with greater insight into transactions involving digital assets. DAC8 builds on earlier initiatives, such as MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets), and introduces reporting obligations specifically tailored to the crypto-asset ecosystem.
Which Data Will Be Exchanged?
Under DAC8, crypto-asset service providers are required to report the following information.
Information on the Crypto-Asset Service Provider
Name of the service provider
Address of the service provider
Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Identification number and, where applicable, the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI)
Identification Data of Users (Natural Persons)
Name
Address
Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Date and place of birth
Country of tax residence
Identification Data of Legal Entities
Name of the entity
Legal structure
Registration number
Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Country of incorporation and tax residence
Data Relating to Crypto-Assets
Full name of the crypto-asset (e.g. Bitcoin or Ethereum)
Type of crypto-asset (e.g. utility token, stablecoin, NFT)
Number of crypto-asset units traded
Total value of transactions in fiat currency
Date and time of transactions
Wallet address details
Transaction-Specific Information
Transactions involving the conversion of crypto-assets into fiat currency
Crypto-to-crypto transactions, including information on both crypto-assets involved
Transactions exceeding certain thresholds (e.g. payments for goods or services exceeding EUR 50,000)
DAC8 and Belgium
Belgium, like other EU Member States, transposed DAC8 into national legislation at the end of December 2025. As from 2026, Belgian tax authorities will be able to request extensive information on crypto transactions and wallets.
For crypto investors, this implies stricter controls and an increased likelihood of tax audits.
In addition, Belgium already requires the reporting of foreign crypto wallets and accounts in the annual personal income tax return. This information is also recorded in the Central Point of Contact (CPC) of the National Bank of Belgium.
Additional Rules on Cross-Border Tax Rulings
DAC8 also introduces the automatic exchange of information on cross-border tax rulings. This measure specifically targets high-net-worth individuals and transactions exceeding a threshold of EUR 1.5 million. The aim is to further curb tax avoidance through complex cross-border structures.
What Does This Mean for Crypto Investors?
The introduction of DAC8 means that crypto investors and users will be required to be significantly more transparent about their activities. Failure to report taxable crypto transactions may result in penalties or other sanctions.
Maintaining accurate records of all crypto transactions and complying with tax obligations in a timely manner will therefore become increasingly important. In this context, crypto accounts should be correctly reported both in the personal income tax return and to the Central Point of Contact.
DAC8 will not operate in isolation. In practice, the information reported by crypto exchanges under DAC8 will be integrated into analytical tools such as Money Control. Through these systems, the tax authorities will engage in data mining by linking DAC8 data with other databases at their disposal, including tax returns, assessments and information from the Central Point of Contact. Inconsistencies and discrepancies will thus be detected automatically and followed up accordingly.
DAC8 will also have implications for transactions carried out via decentralised networks without the involvement of traditional intermediaries. While it is not yet entirely clear how the tax authorities will monitor such transactions in practice, it is evident that available data streams will increasingly be interconnected. This further reinforces the importance of maintaining a consistent and defensible tax position for every crypto investor.
Conclusion
With DAC8, the European Union significantly strengthens fiscal transparency in relation to crypto-assets. Belgium will be required to apply this directive within days, with substantial consequences for crypto investors and service providers.
To avoid sanctions, it is essential to comply with the new rules accurately and in a timely manner. Seeking professional advice is therefore strongly recommended to ensure full compliance.
Christophe Romero Senne Verholle
