Cryptocurrency donations: how they are taxed in Spain

Donating cryptocurrencies may seem simple but it generates two different taxable events: one for the donor and another for the donee (who receives). Both must declare it.

For the donor: capital gain in personal income tax

When you donate BTC or another cryptocurrency, for tax purposes it is considered a free transmission and generates the same taxable event as a sale.

• Profit = Market value at the time of donation - FIFO acquisition cost.
• This gain is taxed on the savings base (19-28%).
• It does not matter that you did not receive money in exchange: the "sale price" is the market value at the time of donation.

Example:

• You bought 1 BTC in 2020 at €10,000.
• You donate it in 2025 when it is worth €90,000.
• Capital gain of the donor: €80,000 → taxed at the savings rate.

For the donee: Inheritance and Donation Tax (ISD)

The recipient of the donation is taxed by the Tax on Inheritance and Donations (ISD), managed by the autonomous communities.

• Tax base: Market value of the cryptocurrency at the time of donation.
• Tax rate: Variable by Autonomous Community. In Madrid, children can have 99% bonuses. In other Autonomous Communities it may be a high rate.

The donee must present the corresponding regional model (in the CCAA where the donor resides) within 30 business days of the donation.

Donations to NGOs and non-profit entities

If you donate cryptocurrencies to a foundation or association covered by Law 49/2002:

• For the donor: Deduction of 80% up to €150 and 40% of the excess personal income tax contribution.
• The donation also generates "capital gain" for the donor calculated as above, but in most cases the tax deduction more than offsets the tax on the gain.

Important: The receiving entity must be recognized by the AEAT. If the NGO is not recognized, there is no deduction.

Appraisal value for ISD

How is the value of crypto in the donation proven before the AEAT?

• Screenshot of the price on the exchange on the exact date.
• Data from CoinGecko or CoinMarketCap of the day.
• Extract from the exchange with the historical value.

If the value is not clear, the AEAT can settle the ISD with estimated prices that may be higher.

Donations between spouses or community property

In the marital partnership, cryptocurrencies acquired during marriage are marital. If one of the spouses "donates" the half that already corresponds to the other, technically there is no donation but rather a liquidation of property (without a tax event in that act).

Difference between donation and loan

If a parent "lends" Bitcoin to a child with the intention of not getting it back, the AEAT can reclassify it as a donation and demand the ISD plus late payment interest. It is important to properly document whether this is a real loan.

Summary table

Updated: April 2026 | Fiscal year: 2025