The Dutch cabinet has outlined in a letter to parliament how it wants to adjust its Budget Day plans for box 3. The contours are clear, though parliament still has to debate them. For crypto investors, a few points stand out. What is changing in box 3? The government wants to move faster toward a capital gains tax for assets such as shares, bonds and real estate. Today, box 3 often taxes (paper) value increases every year. Under the new approach, those categories would from 2028 only be taxed when you sell. Because that delays tax receipts, the cabinet also wants to bring more smaller savers and investors into the tax net. Under the plans, box 3 tax could already apply once you have roughly €1,000 in profit or return per person. Above that threshold, a 36% rate could apply. In 2027 , the tax-free allowance would also drop, to around €30,850 per person — about half of earlier expectations. What does this mean for crypto? Crypto investors should pay close attention. According to the cabinet's outlines: Crypto in a self-custody wallet: you may owe tax on gains even if you have not sold yet . That means you may need cash available for the tax bill without realizing your crypto position. Crypto via a bank or regular investment account: from 2028 , tax would in that case only be due when the gain is actually realized. That distinction could matter a lot. Self-custody holders may stay longer under a system closer to annual paper gains. Investors using a bank or investment product may move sooner into a regime where only realized profits count. Why this is politically sensitive The package is controversial. Right-leaning parties wanted a capital gains tax, but criticize the idea that smaller savers and investors are pulled into taxation sooner. Left-leaning parties welcome the apparent withdrawal of social-security cuts. Whether the plan becomes law unchanged depends on parliamentary support. What can investors do? Without jumping ahead of final legislation, this is a good moment to tighten your records: Keep purchase and sale data, wallet details and year-end crypto valuations. Track whether you hold crypto in self-custody or via a bank/investment product. Prepare for possible tax on unrealized gains if you hold crypto in your own wallet. Follow the parliamentary debate: the plans can still change. In short: classic investments may move faster to tax-on-sale, while crypto holders with self-custody wallets may face tax on paper gains for longer. Keep watching how the rules are finalized. This article is not financial or tax advice. Always do your own research and consult an advisor if needed before making decisions about your money.