Keep the holding period — protect savers

The holding period is the rule that gains from selling cryptocurrencies are tax-free for private individuals after a holding time of one year. It has applied in Germany since Bitcoin was classified as a private asset under § 23 of the German Income Tax Act (EStG).

Gains from Bitcoin sales would be taxed regardless of how long the asset was held — via the flat capital-gains tax (plus solidarity surcharge), and in some proposals even at the personal income-tax rate. That would make long-term saving in crypto significantly more expensive and Germany less attractive internationally.

prohaltefrist.de is a joint initiative from the German Bitcoin and crypto community to preserve the tax holding period for cryptocurrencies in Germany.

A change to the holding period affects anyone who holds or plans to acquire Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies in Germany. Even those not yet invested benefit from a stable, predictable tax framework — for retirement provision, savings plans, or smaller investments.

Yes. Under Article 17 of the German Basic Law, the right to petition applies to everyone — regardless of nationality or place of residence. You only need a free account on the official Bundestag petition platform; a foreign address is accepted. Your address and email are never shown publicly.

You can contact your members of the Bundestag, register as a supporter, share the campaign in your network, or support the work with a Bitcoin donation. Every voice counts.