Taxes and crypto - everything you need to know

Selling cryptocurrency for cash at a Bitcoin ATM is not tax-exempt merely because the payout is made in banknotes. Under Poland’s PIT rules, net income from disposing of virtual currencies for consideration is generally reported on Form PIT-38 and taxed at 19%. The tax applies to net income, rather than automatically to the full amount withdrawn.

Content updated: October 7, 2026. This guide describes the basic rules for personal income tax (PIT) in Poland. A different tax residence, service-related activities, mining, or unusual sources of cryptocurrency require separate review.

When is the sale of a cryptocurrency subject to taxation?

Disposal for consideration includes, among other things, exchanging cryptocurrency for money, paying for goods or services, or settling a debt. Selling for PLN at a Bitcoin ATM falls under this rule. The mere exchange of one virtual currency for another virtual currency is not subject to taxation; do not equate cryptocurrency with every form of balance on the platform.

You can find the rules and scope of the term “virtual currency” in the Ministry of Finance’s guidance on the sale of cryptocurrencies.

How do you calculate income and taxes?

Income is revenue less deductible expenses. Include documented expenses directly related to the acquisition and costs of disposal. Record commissions according to their nature and supporting documentation; do not deduct the same expense twice.

Example: Annual revenue is 20,000 PLN, and deductible expenses are 17,500 PLN. Taxable income is 2,500 PLN, and 19% of that amount is 475 PLN. This is a simplified calculation that does not take into account additional circumstances or expenses from previous years.

When costs exceed revenue, the excess is carried forward to the next year’s expenses; it is not treated as an ordinary loss on shares. Purchase expenses are also reported in years when there are no sales.

PIT-38: Form, Deadline, and Foreign Currencies

Tax returns must be filed between February 15 and April 30 of the year following the tax year. Don’t wait for the operator’s summary—gather your own purchase and sales documents.

The official PIT-38 brochure for 2025 describes the form and how to convert amounts in foreign currencies to PLN: generally, using the average exchange rate published by the National Bank of Poland (NBP) on the last business day preceding the receipt of income or the incurrence of an expense. For the next year’s tax return, use the appropriate form and the current instructions.

What information should you keep after a transaction at a Bitcoin ATM?

• Confirmation of the purchase or sale, along with the date and transaction number.
• The payment amount and currency, the amount of cryptocurrency, and documentation of fees.
• The history of the acquisition of the assets being sold and costs previously reported for tax purposes.
• TXID, if one was generated; the blockchain identifier alone does not describe all the terms of a cash transaction.

If you haven't received confirmation, please contact the device operator. Bitomat.com is a platform that aggregates location and information; it is not a party to the transaction or an entity that prepares tax returns for taxpayers. You can find the device instructions in the Bitcoin ATM user guide, and information on identification in the KYC and AML guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is the operator's commission a tax?

No. The transaction fee and the tax are separate charges. When comparing device offers, check the exchange rate and fees; determine the tax based on your annual tax return.

Does a lack of sales mean no PIT-38 form?

Not necessarily. If you incurred expenses to purchase virtual currencies, you should report those costs even if you did not generate any revenue from their sale this year.

Where should I explain this unusual situation?

Check the latest information from the Ministry of Finance and consult the documents with a tax advisor or the National Tax Information Service (Krajowa Informacja Skarbowa, KIS). Describe the source of your funds and your tax residence; the Bitcoin ATM’s address alone does not determine your tax liability.