Crypto Accounting in Switzerland
How to account for digital assets under Swiss GAAP
Swiss GAAP Treatment of Crypto Assets
Switzerland does not yet have specific IFRS-style standards for crypto assets, but the Federal Tax Administration (SFTA) and Swiss GAAP FER have issued guidance that provides practical clarity.
Cryptocurrencies as Assets
The SFTA classifies cryptocurrency holdings based on purpose:
- Current assets: Crypto held for trading or short-term use — marked to market at year-end, gains/losses recognized in income
- Financial investments: Long-term crypto holdings — measured at lower of cost or market (prudence principle)
- Inventory: Crypto miners may classify newly mined coins as inventory
Tax on Crypto Gains (Corporate)
For Swiss companies, crypto gains are ordinary income — taxed at the corporate rate (approx. 11.91% in Zug). There is no separate capital gains tax for companies (unlike individuals, who pay no capital gains tax on personal asset sales).
Year-End Valuation
- Use the market rate on the balance sheet date (December 31 for standard calendar year)
- Source: reputable exchange data (CoinGecko, Bloomberg)
- Document the source and rate used in accounting workpapers
Staking & DeFi Income
Staking rewards and DeFi protocol income are generally treated as ordinary income when received (or when the right to receive becomes certain). Report in CHF equivalent at receipt date using the daily exchange rate.