Holding period task force begins concrete work
The holding period task force met for another intensive working session on May 13, 2026 and adopted a concrete timetable and action plan for the next three months.
The aim of the task force is to work together with companies, associations, market participants and affected citizens to take a fact-based stance against the abolition of the holding period for cryptocurrencies and to actively shape the public and political debate.
The past few weeks have shown:
The discussion about new crypto taxation is no longer a theoretical debate. Several political players have already presented or announced concrete proposals.
This makes a coordinated, objective and broad-based response all the more important.
Petition becomes concrete
One focus of today’s meeting was the preparation of a cross-association petition.
The core group for this has been set up and will coordinate an initial draft with other associations and stakeholders in the coming week.
The aim is to build a broad alliance against the abolition of the holding period – together with:
- Investors
- The company
- Stock exchanges & brokers
- Tax experts
- Payment service providers
- Associations
- YouTubers, podcasters and media portals
- and other market participants
Because one thing is clear:
Successful political advocacy requires reach, facts and social visibility.
The support of high-reach media players and content creators in particular will play an important role in taking the discussion out of the crypto bubble and into the wider public and political debate.
Numerous media players, YouTubers, podcasters and information portals are already participating in the discussion alongside companies and associations and are supporting the development of a joint initiative.
Campaign website shortly before launch
The technical infrastructure for the cross-association alliance is currently being developed in parallel.
The central campaign website is already being implemented and will go online shortly.
Among other things, the following are provided there:
- Background information
- Argumentation aids
- How to contact members of parliament
- Templates for citizen actions
- Information on the petition
- and other materials for public education
Red card” working group
The “Red Card” working group has also started its work.
This is particularly about effective publicity measures and mobilization.
The next steps are to be coordinated with other supporters and allies in the coming week.
Because one thing is obvious:
A successful campaign requires considerable reach and participation in the shortest possible time.
Criticism of possible models based on the Austrian model
International examples were also discussed intensively – in particular the regulation from Austria.
Companies such as CoinTracking and Blockpit are already pointing out considerable practical and tax problems with the Austrian solution.
Journalists are also increasingly researching the effects of the Austrian Sonderweg and its practical feasibility.
Particularly noteworthy:
Bitpanda CEO Eric Demuth has explicitly warned Germany against adopting the Austrian model.
The task force will continue to deepen this discussion in the coming weeks.
Open questions regarding expected tax revenues
Another focus of the work is currently on analyzing the publicly reported figures on potential additional tax revenue.
Many market participants have serious doubts about the forecasts being circulated.
The years 2025 and 2026 in particular are characterized by strong market fluctuations and periods of losses. Abolishing the holding period or transferring cryptocurrencies to the capital gains tax could therefore have significantly lower or even negative fiscal effects than is publicly suggested.
In addition, there are complex issues relating to loss offsetting and tax systems.
The task force will prepare further analyses and data in this regard.
Objective debate instead of snap judgments
The holding period task force is committed to an objective, fact-based and constructive discussion.
It is about basing political decisions on reliable data, constitutional principles and economic reality – and not on short-term expectations of possible additional revenue.
After all, the effects no longer only affect a small niche, but millions of citizens, companies and Germany as a location for innovation.
Support expressly desired
The work of the task force is also expressly open to non-members.
Who:
- can contribute data
- has professional expertise
- would like to provide legal support
- Can arrange contacts
- or wants to accompany the initiative organizationally
is cordially invited to get involved.
Membership of the Bitcoin Bundesverband is not required.
Further information and a video message from Matthias Steger on the concrete next steps will follow shortly.
Note: This article was written by a member or author of the Bitcoin Bundesverband and reflects their personal opinion. It does not necessarily represent the official position of the Bitcoin Bundesverband.
