Switzerland has delayed the implementation of rules requiring automatic sharing of crypto account data with foreign tax authorities, pushing back full rollout to 2027. The decision was announced by the Swiss Federal Council and the State Secretariat for International Finance. While the legal framework for the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) comes into effect on January 1st as planned, the specific mechanisms for implementation will not start until at least the following year. Officials cited ongoing discussions regarding which nations Switzerland intends to share data with under CARF rules as the reason for the delay. The international framework was approved by the OECD in 2022 to facilitate global tracking of crypto assets and curb tax avoidance through offshore platforms.
Swiss authorities have also introduced local adjustments, including transitional measures to help local businesses adapt to the new reporting standards. These adjustments aim to provide more time for companies to modify internal systems before the full reporting process begins. Previously, Switzerland had planned to adopt CARF rules in January 2026 with data exchanges scheduled for 2027. The new delay creates uncertainty regarding a revised target date for when information sharing with other jurisdictions will begin.
Despite the delays, numerous countries have pledged to implement CARF within the next two to four years. However, Argentina, El Salvador, Vietnam, and India are among those still not part of the agreement. This global trend has prompted several governments to review their own regulations.
For example, Reuters recently reported that Brazil is considering a new tax on cross-border crypto transfers to align with CARF expectations. The US is also taking steps to tighten reporting requirements for capital gains related to foreign exchanges.