Finland to launch Crypto tax reporting rules by 2026

Finland plans to implement a domestic Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) starting in 2026. This framework will require crypto exchanges and other service providers to collect detailed transaction data for tax authorities. This move positions Finland among the first EU countries to enact such measures, especially as broader delays are occurring elsewhere.

Under the OECD-backed CARF, reporting crypto-asset service providers will be obligated to gather user identification, transaction volumes, transfers, and other pertinent data points. These providers must then submit annual reports to the Finnish Tax Administration. Finland’s new rules stipulate that the first returns will be submitted in 2027.

Information pertaining to foreign users will be exchanged with the users’ countries of tax residence through automatic information-exchange arrangements.

The CARF is a component of a global initiative aimed at integrating crypto into the same automatic exchange ecosystem that currently covers traditional finance, known as the Common Reporting Standard (CRS). It is also part of other OECD initiatives. The framework is expected to facilitate cross-border sharing of crypto transaction data across dozens of jurisdictions by 2027.

Authorities have indicated that the accelerated timelines mean exchanges must have their systems and due diligence processes ready by January 1, 2026.

Finland’s domestic approach appears to have a broader scope than some minimum CARF requirements. The government’s proposal would mandate reporting that enables tax authorities to directly calculate capital gains and losses for Finnish residents from the collected data. This is intended to ease enforcement and reduce the reporting burdens for taxpayers.

Industry advisors have cautioned that firms should commence technical and compliance preparations immediately. This includes collecting self-certifications of tax residence and adapting reporting pipelines.

This development follows a series of global commitments, with numerous jurisdictions pledging to adopt CARF-style rules in the upcoming years. Many tax professionals anticipate that this framework will fundamentally alter how exchanges, brokers, and other crypto intermediaries operate. While it is expected to increase transparency, it will also impose substantial data, privacy, and operational demands on providers.

As Finland proceeds with its implementation, crypto firms operating within the country or serving Finnish customers will be required to upgrade their Know Your Customer (KYC), reporting, and record-keeping systems to meet the CARF deadlines. This represents a significant regulatory milestone for digital-asset taxation within Europe.