[jcwilde]

This is a horrible headline and directly promotes misunderstanding. One might even call it clickbait.

In reality, virtual currencies can now be exchanged tax-free, effectively putting them in-line with other currencies—no special status has been afforded specifically to Bitcoin that makes it some kind of tax shelter or similar. Capital gains and taxes while spending Bitcoins or real goods and services still apply as with any currency.

[acaloiar]

Agreed on the headline, but more to the point is that now the EU does not draw a distinction between virtual and traditional currencies. Or this is at least a step in that direction.

[joeyspn]

> the EU does not draw a distinction between virtual and traditional currencies.

This should be the headline...

[jordigh]

I don't like this nomenclature. Can we call them "state-sponsored" and "stateless" instead? Almost all of the world's currency is as virtual as email.

[euccastro]

Maybe "bank-issued" currency is more accurate for the more traditional kind?

[dang]

Ok, we changed the headline and can change it again if anyone suggests a better (more accurate and neutral) one.

[tonomics]

Headline is indeed horrible, but there's some merit to the news. There could've been many other tax implications with Bitcoin and the article exposes that's not the case.