Loss offset pot (Verlustverrechnungstopf)
An account at your bank that collects losses and automatically offsets them against later gains.
In short
As of 8 October 2026The loss offset pot is an account at your bank that collects losses from securities and nets them against later gains before tax is due. Losses from selling stocks go into a separate pot and only count against stock gains. Each bank keeps its own pots. To offset across banks, you need a loss certificate requested by 15 December and a tax return.
If you sell at a loss, your bank records it in the loss offset pot (Verlustverrechnungstopf). Later gains are netted against it before capital gains tax is due. There are two pots: the stock pot holds losses from selling stocks, which may only be offset against gains from selling stocks. Other losses, e.g. on ETFs, go into the general pot.
Pots are per bank and roll over automatically. To offset losses against gains at another bank, request a loss certificate by 15 December and file a tax return. Losses are offset before your saver's allowance is used.
Example: you sell stock A at a 500 euro loss and later stock B at an 800 euro gain. Only 300 euros are taxed. More in the chapter on taxes on stocks and the topic on using your allowance.
Related terms
Sources
- Einkommensteuergesetz (EStG), § 43a Bemessung der Kapitalertragsteuer
- Einkommensteuergesetz (EStG), § 20 Kapitalvermögen
As of 8 October 2026 · Educational content, not investment or tax advice.