CFD Trading and Taxes in Germany – What You Need to Know (2025 Update)

CFD trading is popular in Germany – but by year-end, many traders ask themselves: what about taxes? Anyone realizing gains or losses should understand the tax rules to avoid unpleasant surprises. In this post, you’ll get a compact overview of capital gains tax, loss offsetting, and how GBE brokers helps you keep track of your taxes.

Capital Gains Tax and CFD Trading: The Basics

In Germany, profits from CFD trading are generally subject to a flat withholding tax (Abgeltungssteuer) of 25% plus solidarity surcharge and, if applicable, church tax. Unlike stock investments, CFD gains are taxed as other investment income.

Important: With brokers based in Germany, the capital gains tax is often withheld directly. GBE brokers, however, does not automatically deduct taxes – which means you are responsible for declaring your gains and losses in your tax return.

What was the loss offset limit?

• Since the 2020 Annual Tax Act / 2021 assessment year, a regulation has been in force in Germany (Section 20 (6) sentence 5 EStG) according to which losses from forward transactions and option premiums may only be offset against profits from forward transactions up to €20,000 per year.
• Anything above this amount could be carried forward to subsequent years, but was also only usable to a limited extent.
• This restriction applied exclusively to losses from forward transactions (e.g., CFDs, futures, options, etc.), not to losses from regular capital investments or shares upon sale.

Abolition of the loss offset limit

• The Annual Tax Act 2024, which was passed by the Federal Council on November 22, 2024, repealed the loss offset restriction for forward transactions.
• This repeal applies retroactively—that is, to all open cases since the introduction of the regulation.
• The separate loss offset group for forward transactions has been abolished. Losses from forward transactions can now be offset in full against all income from capital assets, and no longer only against gains from forward transactions or option premiums.

What does that mean in practical terms?

• You no longer have to worry about the €20,000 cap on losses from forward transactions – you can now offset these losses against other capital gains without limitation.
• In cases where notices have already been issued applying the restriction, it is possible to have the notices reviewed or to lodge an appeal, provided they are still open.
• Banks and brokers must take the new rule into account when calculating capital gains tax, etc. – however, it is expected that the institutional systems will be technically adapted accordingly from January 1, 2026..

GBE brokers: Support with Your Annual Tax Overview

Even though GBE brokers does not withhold taxes, you can request a profit and loss statement for your tax return. This statement includes:

• Realized gains and losses for the calendar year
• Year-end values as of December 31st
• All amounts listed in euros

For our customers in the DACH region, we make it particularly easy: In the first quarter of 2026, you will automatically receive a clear profit and loss statement for 2025 by email – convenient and in time for your tax return.

Conclusion: Tax-Aware Trading Pays Off

If you want to succeed long-term in CFD trading, you shouldn’t just understand the markets – you also need to know the tax rules.

With the right knowledge and clean documentation, you can avoid unpleasant surprises. And GBE brokers provides you with the necessary documents upon request, so you can complete your tax return correctly and stress-free.

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Risk warning
Forex and CFD trading is speculative and therefore not suitable for every investor. GBE brokers Ltd. offers margin trading. Leveraged products can work to your disadvantage as well as to your advantage. You should be aware of all the risks and not use more capital than you can afford to lose. Before opening an account, please read our Risk Disclosure and Terms and Conditions.

Disclaimer
Trade Responsibly: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76.97% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.