DAC 8 – New obligation for “crypto platforms” and their users in 2026

We would like to draw your attention to a new obligation that will affect crypto “platforms” and their users from 1 January 2026. It will first take effect in 2026 with the collection of data and subsequent transfer of information to the tax administrator in 2027.

DAC 8 is another EU Directive amending the EU rules on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation. DAC 8 focuses on cryptoasset transactions, among other things. DAC 8 extends the current notification obligations to providers of services related to cryptoassets (this is a follow-up to DAC 7, which covered digital platforms facilitating the sale of goods, personal services and the provision of immovable property/vehicles). These providers will now be required to report information on transactions with cryptoassets to the tax authorities. Thus, it can be said that what was previously difficult for the tax authorities to track down is to become standard reported information.

Who is affected by DAC 8 and whose data will be collected?

DAC 8 primarily affects providers of services related to cryptoassets. Typically, these are:

• “platforms” enabling the purchase, sale, or exchange of cryptocurrencies,
• crypto exchanges,
• cryptocurrency custodians (crypto wallets),
• and other entities that facilitate transactions with cryptoassets for their clients.

These entities will now become reporting entities and will be required to collect and report data on their users established in the EU (or in other non-EU countries that have joined the initiative).

At the same time, DAC 8 indirectly, but very significantly, affects the users of cryptocurrencies themselves – individuals and legal entities. It is precisely their data that will be collected and subsequently shared between the tax authorities of individual countries. Cryptocurrency users will have to share information with the “platforms”. Should they fail to do so, the “platforms” will be obliged to suspend services to uncooperative users.

Impact on “platforms”: new administrative and reporting burden

From 1 January 2026, the “platforms” will have the following obligations, among others:

• to ascertain and verify legally prescribed information about users (e.g., their tax residence),
• to monitor and record selected cryptoasset transactions,
• to store data within the prescribed scope,
• to report the collected information to the tax administrator.

Thus, during 2026, the “platforms” concerned will collect the information on an ongoing basis and, at the end of the relevant period, will submit it to the tax administration, which will then automatically exchange it with the tax administrations of other EU countries (and possibly also of other non-EU countries that have joined the initiative).

It is therefore a completely new obligation that requires adjustments to internal processes, IT systems and compliance settings. First and foremost, it should be about ensuring that the required information is obtained and verified.

Impact on users of cryptoassets: the tax office will have a detailed overview

For users of cryptoassets, DAC 8 marks a fundamental change in what information will be available to the state. The tax authorities will now obtain detailed data on cryptoasset transactions directly from the platforms concerned.

In practice, this means that the tax administrator will have an overview of transactions with cryptoassets and will be able to compare the data with the data provided in the tax returns of individual users. In the event that the user does not declare the income from cryptoasset transactions in his/her tax return, the tax authority can be expected to investigate the matter and may possibly assess the missing taxes, including interest and penalties.

Ambiguities in Czech legislation

Although the amendment to the EU Directive is already in force, the Czech implementing law has not yet been approved. However, the Financial Administration of the Czech Republic has repeatedly stated that the application of the obligations under DAC 8 is envisaged as from 1 January 2026, while the specific form and timing of their implementation in Czech legislation is still in the legislative process and may be further refined.

How we can help you with DAC 8

DAC 8 is not just another formal obligation – it is a fundamental change that impacts both the providers of cryptoasset services and the tax obligations of their users.

Our team is dedicated to this issue and is ready to:

• Identify the affected entities (“platforms”) for the purposes of DAC 8,
• assess the impact of DAC 8 on a specific business model,
• assist the entities concerned (“platforms”) with the practical set-up of processes and reporting obligations,
• ensure communication with the tax office,
• identify for cryptoasset users what information from which transactions will be reported and subsequently identify the related tax obligations, including representation in filing tax returns.

If you want to make sure you are ready for this new responsibility, please, do not hesitate to contact us.