Crypto in the Italian 730 or Redditi PF: Which Return

For most Italian filers the first crypto question is not how much tax is due but which form to put it on, and it is a real question rather than a formality: the two returns are different documents with different eligibility, different deadlines and different sections.

The two returns

The Modello 730 is the simplified return, prepared for employees and pensioners, with the substantial advantage that any refund or liability is settled through the payroll or pension payer. The Modello Redditi PF is the general return, available to everyone and required for anyone the 730 does not cover.

Crypto is declared through Modello Redditi PF, or through Modello 730 where you meet its requirements. The practical consequence is that having crypto no longer automatically pushes an employee out of the simplified return, which is a recent change and the reason the question is being asked so often.

Which quadri you actually need

Whichever return you use, crypto touches more than one section, and this is where most errors happen because people complete one and stop.

• Quadro RT carries capital gains and losses on crypto assets. This is where a disposal produces its number.
• Quadro RW carries the holdings themselves, whether abroad or in self custody, and the 0.2% annual wealth charge on the value held.
• Quadro RL or RE carries other crypto income where applicable.

The point that catches people is that RW is not conditional on having sold anything. A year of pure holding, with no disposal and no gain, still involves RW. Filers who reason "no gain, nothing to declare" are wrong specifically because of that box.

What the rate now is

Crypto gains are subject to a flat substitute tax, separate from progressive IRPEF. The rate depends on when the gain was realised: 26% for gains realised in 2025, declared in 2026, and 33% for gains realised from 1 January 2026, declared in 2027, with a reduced 26% rate for MiCAR-compliant euro denominated stablecoins.

The exemption threshold of 2,000 euros was abolished from 2025, so every euro of gain is taxable, though the threshold still applies for earlier years. Verify current rates with the Agenzia delle Entrate before relying on them.

How the choice usually resolves

If you are an employee or pensioner whose situation otherwise fits the 730, the settlement through the withholding agent is a genuine convenience and the crypto boxes are available to you. If you are self employed, if you have income the 730 does not accommodate, or if your position is complex, Redditi PF is where you will end up regardless of the crypto.

What should not drive the decision is a belief that one return hides the crypto better than the other. Both feed the same authority, and holdings are reported through RW either way.

Dates

The tax year is the calendar year. Tax on the previous year's gains is due by 30 June, with a second instalment following. Confirm the current deadlines each year, since they move.

Quadro T and Quadro W: read the current instructions

Readers may encounter the labels Quadro T and Quadro W in current Agenzia delle Entrate material. They should not be treated as a replacement for the boxes discussed above or as proof that a particular filing treatment applies. Check the current official instructions for the return you are using, then keep that guidance with the records and calculations supporting your entries. This article deliberately does not state a commencement date for either label.

What this article covers, and what it does not

This article is about choosing between the 730 and Redditi PF and identifying the return sections to review. It does not attempt to provide a complete Italian crypto-tax analysis for every transaction type. Use the Italian crypto-tax guide for the broader framework and keep this page for the narrower return-choice question.

Our crypto tax reports produce the RT and RW figures ready to enter, and Italian crypto tax covers the full framework.

General information, not tax advice. Rules change and depend on your circumstances. Confirm the current position with the relevant tax authority or a qualified tax professional.

Practical Steps for Organising Your Crypto Records

Before you begin any return, the single most useful thing you can do is assemble a complete and orderly record of your crypto activity for the year. This is not a legal requirement, but it is the foundation on which accurate reporting is built. Start by listing every exchange, wallet, and platform you have used, even those you no longer access. For each one, gather the transaction history, including dates, amounts, and the type of asset involved. If you have moved crypto between your own wallets, note those transfers separately, as they are not taxable events but still need to be documented to show the movement of your holdings. For any crypto you received from staking, lending, or airdrops, keep the records that show when you received it and its value at that time. If you have disposed of crypto, whether by selling, swapping, or spending it, record the proceeds and the date. The goal is to have a single source of truth that you can refer to when completing the required sections. Without this, you risk missing transactions or making errors that could lead to questions later. A spreadsheet or a dedicated software tool can help, but the important thing is that the information is complete and consistent.

Identifying Unanswered Questions in Your Situation

Even with good records, you may find that your situation raises questions that are not immediately answered by the general rules. For example, you might have received crypto as payment for goods or services, or you might have participated in a DeFi protocol that has no clear reporting guidance. You might have lost access to a wallet, or you might have received crypto from a foreign exchange that does not provide a clear statement of your gains. In such cases, do not guess. Instead, write down the specific question and the facts that give rise to it. Then, seek an answer from a reliable source, such as the official guidance from the tax authority or a qualified professional. It is also wise to document the steps you took to find an answer, including the sources you consulted and the date. This shows that you made a reasonable effort to comply. If you cannot find a definitive answer, you may need to make a reasonable assumption and document it clearly. The key is to avoid ignoring the issue, as that can lead to problems later. By identifying your unanswered questions early, you give yourself time to resolve them before you need to file.

Reconciling Your Sources of Information

Crypto activity often spans multiple platforms, and each platform may provide its own report of your transactions. These reports can differ in how they classify transactions, what they include, and the values they assign. For example, one exchange might show a swap as a sale and purchase, while another might show it as a single transaction. To ensure accuracy, you need to reconcile these sources. Start by comparing the transaction lists from each platform and identifying any discrepancies. This might involve checking that the total amount of each asset you hold matches across all your wallets and exchanges. If you find differences, investigate the cause. It could be a timing issue, a fee that was not recorded, or a transfer that was not captured. Correct any errors in your own records, and keep a note of the reconciliation process. This is especially important if you are using software to calculate your gains, as the output is only as good as the input. By reconciling your sources, you reduce the risk of reporting incorrect figures. It also helps you spot any missing transactions that you might have overlooked. This step is practical and can save you from costly mistakes.

Documenting Your Assumptions and Calculations

When you prepare your return, you will likely need to make certain assumptions, especially if the rules are unclear or if you have incomplete data. For example, you might need to estimate the value of a crypto asset at the time you received it, or you might need to decide how to treat a complex transaction. In every such case, write down the assumption you made, the reason for it, and the evidence you used. This documentation is not a legal requirement, but it is invaluable if your return is ever reviewed. It shows that you acted in good faith and with reasonable care. Similarly, keep a record of all your calculations, including the formula you used to determine your gains or losses. If you used a software tool, save the output and note the settings you chose. If you calculated manually, show your work. This makes it easier to verify your figures and to explain them if asked. It also helps you if you need to amend your return later. By documenting your assumptions and calculations, you turn a potentially opaque process into a transparent one, which is always in your best interest.

Reviewing Before You File and Knowing When to Seek Help

Before you submit your return, take the time to review everything carefully. Check that all your personal details are correct, that you have included all the necessary sections, and that the figures you have entered match your records. Look for any obvious errors, such as a missing decimal point or a transaction that appears twice. It can be helpful to step away for a day and then review with fresh eyes, or to ask someone you trust to look over your work. If you are using software, run a final report and compare it to your own records. This review is your last chance to catch mistakes before the return is filed. If you find that your situation is complex, or if you are unsure about any aspect of your return, do not hesitate to seek help from a qualified tax professional. They can provide advice tailored to your circumstances and help you avoid pitfalls. The cost of professional help is often less than the cost of a mistake. Remember, the goal is to file an accurate return, and if you have done your best to organise, document, and review, you are in a good position. Even if you are confident, a second opinion can give you peace of mind. Ultimately, knowing when to ask for help is a sign of prudence, not weakness.

Organising Your Crypto Records

Before you begin any return, the single most useful thing you can do is assemble a complete and orderly record of your crypto activity for the year. This is not a legal requirement, but it is the foundation on which accurate reporting is built. Start by listing every exchange, wallet, and platform you have used, even those you no longer access. For each one, gather the transaction history, including dates, amounts, and the type of asset involved. If you have moved crypto between your own wallets, note those transfers separately, as they are not taxable events but still need to be documented to show the movement of your holdings. For any crypto you received from staking, lending, or airdrops, keep the records that show when you received it and its value at that time. If you have disposed of crypto, whether by selling, swapping, or spending it, record the proceeds and the date. The goal is to have a single source of truth that you can refer to when completing the required sections. Without this, you risk missing transactions or making errors that could lead to questions later. A spreadsheet or a dedicated software tool can help, but the important thing is that the information is complete and consistent. Once your records are organised, you should reconcile them across all sources. This means comparing the transaction lists from each platform and ensuring that the totals match. If you find discrepancies, investigate the cause, such as a fee that was not recorded or a transfer that was missed. Correct any errors in your own records and keep a note of the reconciliation process. This step is crucial because the figures you report are only as good as the data behind them. By reconciling, you reduce the risk of reporting incorrect amounts and you may also spot missing transactions. Additionally, document any assumptions you make, such as the value of an asset at a certain time, and the basis for that assumption. This documentation is invaluable if your return is ever reviewed, as it shows you acted in good faith. Finally, before you file, review your draft carefully. Check that all sections are completed and that the figures match your records. If your situation is complex or you are unsure about any aspect, seek help from a qualified tax professional.