Court-proof Bitcoin Proof of Origin
Test Transaction + Trustee/Notary Certificate – without own signature
For tax security, collateralization, accounting & compliance.
By Torsten Schmitz, CEO & Founder of trust4money.de – Böblingen, February 2026
At trust4money, we provide you with legally sound proof of origin (Provenance Proof*) for Bitcoin & digital assets. No pure blockchain tracking. No blind trust in external tools. Instead, we analyze the entire chain history, perform a clean test transaction, and issue a fiduciary or notarized certificate – which clearly shows: These coins have a clean origin and are free from risks (mixer, darknet, sanctions).
Certificates are a shield against costly complications.Let's first clarify what proof of origin exactly is. A proof of origin (Provenance Proof) is legally sound evidence that shows that your Bitcoins come from a legal, risk-free source and are clearly attributable to you legally – including possession, origin, and transaction history. At its core, it is a legally binding document that proves the legal provenance of your Bitcoins or other cryptocurrencies through a minimal test transaction and supplementary documents. Unlike a simple proof of ownership, which only shows that you have access to the wallet, the proof of origin integrates evidence of the source of funds – be it through purchase agreements, tax declarations, or affidavits. The whole thing is based on the principles of civil procedural law (§§ 415, 418 and 437 ZPO) and is non-custodial: You always retain full control over your assets. Our process at trust4money is designed to be completed in 1–3 business days and helps clients like you to use assets in regulated contexts without unnecessary hurdles.
This approach closes the gap between blockchain pseudonymity and the German legal system and creates legally sound proof of ownership that is also recognized in financial audits, inheritance cases, or company balance sheets.
The problem with proofs of origin
Many companies, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals face the exact same dilemma: The bank or auditor requires clean proof of origin for Lombard loans, accounting, or compliance – meaning clear evidence that Bitcoin holdings have a legal and unsuspicious provenance. From 2027, the tax office will automatically check for suspicious transactions in CARF reports: mixers, darknet marketplaces, sanction violations, or other risks. Without complete proof, the origin remains unclear – and this can quickly lead to inquiries, rejection of the loan, delayed balance sheet approval, or even tax consequences.
The problem becomes even bigger when the chain history is complex: coins have been moved over years, perhaps through multiple wallets or exchanges. While external tools show transactions, they don't prove that the origin is clean. The tax office or bank won't simply accept this – and without legally sound proof, months of expert opinions, high legal costs, and uncertainty threaten.
This is exactly where our service comes in: We provide complete proof for you – without you having to sign yourself or laboriously reconstruct the entire history.
The solutionwith proofs of origin
With our proof of origin, we take full responsibility for providing the proof for you – without you having to create a signature yourself or painstakingly trace the entire chain history. We proceed systematically: First, we analyze the complete transaction history of your Bitcoin addresses – from their creation (mining) to today. In doing so, we check for all risks that the tax office or a bank could reject: mixers, darknet marketplaces, sanction violations, or other suspicious patterns.
Subsequently, we conduct a clean test transaction (round-trip transfer) to confirm the power of disposal. The test transaction deliberately creates only minimal blockchain traces and is practically risk-free due to very small, reversible amounts. The entire process is seamlessly documented and summarized in a fiduciary or notarized certificate – audit-proof and with maximum probative value. The certificate clearly shows: these coins have a clean origin, they legitimately belong to you, and are free of risks.
The result is court-proof evidence that banks, auditors, and the tax office accept – quickly, without much effort on your part, and MiCAR-compliant. You get the clarity you need for collateralization, accounting, tax declaration, or estate planning – immediately, not after months of checks.
Why technical tools alone are not enough
Many tools and wallets offer technical analysis of blockchain history – they show transactions, addresses, and patterns. This is technically correct and useful, but remains pseudonymous and superficial: it only proves that an address exists and has been moved – not that the coins are clean and rightfully yours.
Our approach goes decisively further: We combine a complete chain analysis (from mining to today) with a neutral, fiduciary or notarized confirmation. This not only documents the history, but also checks and confirms the clean origin (no mixers, darknet, sanctions) and the lawful ownership. The proof is neutrally audited and legally robust – it closes the gap between the pseudonymity of the blockchain and the requirements of the German legal system.
The result is a court-proof certificate of origin (Provenance Proof*) that is recognized in financial audits, inheritance cases, company balance sheets or by banks. We work exclusively with experienced partner notaries and trustees. Costs start from €229 net (basic) to €999 (annual subscription with notary) – depending on complexity and notary. The entire process takes only a few hours to days.
Technical analysis alone does not show:
Our approach, however, delivers:
Who needs a certificate of origin?
A structured and verifiable proof of origin and provenance for Bitcoin offers a decisive advantage in numerous legal and economic situations.In the private sphere, for example in cases of divorce or equalization of gains, it enables legally sound proof of who possessed which Bitcoin holdings at what time – without the origin remaining unclear or disputes arising. In cases of inheritance or estate planning, it also helps to prove clean provenance and avoid lengthy disputes among heirs or with the tax office.
The same applies to the sale of larger positions via OTC desks, where buyers regularly expect at least reduced provenance documentation ("Provenance Lite") to minimize compliance risks.
When is a certificate of origin required?
In the corporate environment, clean documentation is becoming increasingly important: For corporate balance sheets and audits, it is a prerequisite for properly accounting for crypto assets according to HGB or IFRS and transparently presenting their origin. Banks and credit institutions are increasingly demanding a "Proof of Clean Origin" for Lombard loans or other financing before Bitcoin is accepted as collateral. Without this proof, rejection, delayed liquidity, or higher risk premiums threaten.
Finally, consistent proof of the acquisition and ownership history is also an important tool in the context of a tax audit by the tax office to present acquisition times, holding periods and tax classification plausibly and reliably – especially from 2027 with the CARF reports from exchanges.
Whenever third parties (tax office, bank, court, auditor, heirs) want to check or prove the origin, independent, court-proof evidence is the decisive advantage – and that is exactly what we provide.
Case Studies
Certificates of Origin
Company: Bitcoin holdings can be audited and accounted for
Example 1- from company
Imagine you are the CFO of a medium-sized company. Over the past few years, the company has invested approximately €2.8 million in Bitcoin – as a strategic reserve, inflation hedge, and diversification. The assets are held in a company wallet that you personally set up: air-gapped, with SeedPro-Splitting and shared custody (you, the tax advisor as trustee, the authorized signatory, and an external notary share the roles – all notarized and documented in an audit-proof manner).
A problem arises
The auditor is facing the annual financial statement audit. He demands clear proof of origin for all Bitcoin addresses – otherwise the inventory cannot be accounted for. Without proof, the origin remains unclear: Are the coins really company assets? Were there unauthorized transfers or risks in the chain history?
1
The impact (panic, costs, delays)
The audit is delayed for months. External auditors have to sift through the blockchain, assign addresses, and check transactions – with high costs, delayed balance sheet release, and possible inquiries from the tax office. The company risks liquidity bottlenecks, loss of trust with banks and shareholders, or even additional tax payments.
2
The best-case scenario (everything goes smoothly)
Thanks to your preparation, everything runs smoothly: The notary presents the certified deed, which clearly shows that the coins have a clean origin and were under your (and thus the company's) control – including test transactions, chain analysis, and audit-proof provenance proof. The auditor immediately accepts the inventory, the balance sheet is cleanly released, the reserve remains correctly reported in the balance sheet, and the company avoids expensive expert opinions or inquiries from the tax office.
This is exactly what our service at trust4money is made for: We provide the proof of origin that companies need for audits, accounting and compliance – quickly, securely and legally sound.
Family Offices & Banks: Basis for Lombard Loans
Example 2 ‒ from private life
Imagine you are the CIO of a renowned family office in Stuttgart, managing the assets of several generations of an entrepreneurial family – including a Bitcoin holding of around €3.5 million. The assets are held in a corporate wallet that you set up with SeedPro and shared sovereignty: you, the external trustee, a notary, and the house bank share the roles – all notarized and audit-proof documented.
A Problem Arises
The bank offers the family an attractive Lombard loan (50–70% LTV against Bitcoin as security). At the same time, it demands clean proof of provenance – otherwise, the loan will not be released. Without proof, the origin remains unclear: mixer, darknet, sanctions?
1
The Impact (Family Dispute)
The loan process stalls for months. External appraisers have to check the chain history – with high costs, delayed liquidity, and missed investment opportunities. The Family Office risks mistrust between the family and the bank or even internal disputes.
2
The best-case scenario (everything goes smoothly)
Thanks to your preparation, everything runs smoothly: The notary presents the certified deed, which clearly shows that the coins have a clean origin and were under your (and thus the Family Office's) control – including test transactions, chain analysis, and audit-proof provenance proof. The bank immediately accepts the proof, the loan is disbursed within a few days, and the Family Office uses the liquidity without delay or dispute.
This is exactly what our service at trust4money is designed for: We provide the proof of origin that banks and family offices need for collateralization, balancing, and compliance – quickly, securely, and legally sound.
Individual / HNWI: Tax security when selling within 1 year
Example 3 ‒ from a Family Office
Imagine you are Anna, and you have a private Bitcoin portfolio of approximately €320,000. You want to sell a portion to finance a house. The tax office checks the provenance – without proof, it could suspect mixer transactions or illegal origin.
A Problem Arises
Without seamless proof of origin, the chain history remains unclear. The tax office could question the holding period or assume a sale – even with internal transfers.
1
The impact (rejection, expert opinion, loss of time)
Months of auditing, possible back taxes, delays in house construction, high stress and legal fees.
2
The best-case scenario (everything goes smoothly)
Thanks to your preparation, everything runs smoothly: The notary presents the certified deed, which clearly shows that the coins have a clean origin – including test transactions, chain analysis and audit-proof provenance proof. The sale is accepted immediately, tax remains correctly declared, and you finance your house without delay or dispute.
This is exactly what our service at trust4money is made for: We provide the proof of origin that gives private individuals and HNWI tax security and peace of mind – quickly, securely and legally sound.
Company: Clean Accounting and Audit without Origin Risks
Example 4 ‒ of the corporate world (Audit & Accounting)
Imagine you are the CFO of a medium-sized company. The company has €2.8 million in Bitcoin as a reserve. The auditor demands clean proof of provenance for the annual financial statements – otherwise, the inventory cannot be accounted for.
A problem arises
Without proof, the origin remains unclear: Are the coins clean or are there risks in the chain? The tax office could question the balance sheet during a later audit.
1
The impact (rejection, expert opinion, loss of time)
Delayed balance sheet release, high appraisal costs, inquiries from the tax office, liquidity risks, and loss of trust with banks.
2
The best-case scenario (everything goes smoothly)
Thanks to your preparation, everything runs smoothly: The notary presents the certified deed, which clearly shows that the coins have a clean origin – including test transactions, chain analysis, and audit-proof provenance proof. The auditor immediately accepts the inventory, the balance sheet is cleanly released, and the company avoids expensive follow-up audits.
This is exactly what our service at trust4money is made for: We provide the proof of origin that companies need for audits, accounting and compliance – quickly, securely and legally sound.
Process
for certificates of origin
01
Step 1: Contact & Order
You simply book the service via trust4money.de, by email or telephone. Together we clarify the scope (e.g. one or more wallets, scope of the chain analysis) and arrange an appointment with one of our partner notaries or trustees if necessary.
02
Step 2: Preparing the Wallet
You provide us (encrypted) with the public addresses for which the proof of origin is to be created. Optionally, we can set up SeedPro with key-splitting in advance if desired – but this is not a prerequisite. We roughly check the chain history in advance to estimate the effort.
03
Step 3: Live appointment (online or on-site)
The notary/trustee and an employee of trust4money are connected (usually via encrypted video conference). They identify themselves with an ID card or passport. The trustee sends a tiny test amount (e.g., 500–2,000 Satoshi ≈ 0.0005–0.002 BTC) to your wallet. You immediately send exactly the same amount back to the trustee's wallet. Both transactions are displayed and logged live on a blockchain explorer.
04
Step 4: Documentation & Certification
The notary/trustee immediately prepares a notarized factual confirmation or trustee deed with the owner's name and address, date and time of proof, wallet address(es) used, hash values of both test transactions, and the complete chain analysis. It is stated: "The undersigned had sole control over the stated address and the coins have a clean, legitimate origin. We only work with experienced partner notaries.
05
Step 5: Origin of Funds Certification
For existing documents (e.g., purchase receipts, exchange statements), we prepare an additional declaration on the origin of funds – including determination of legality and clean provenance (see
06
Step 6: Handover & Archiving
You will receive the certified document digitally (PDF with qualified electronic signature) and, if desired, also in printed form by registered mail. We store an encrypted copy in your personal SeedPro vault (if desired).
07
Step 7: Costs & Duration
Costs start from €229 net – the entire process takes only a few hours to days. (depending on complexity, notary and scope, plus VAT)
Proof of Origin ‒ Trustee / Notary
Fiduciary or notarized proof of ownership of your Bitcoin addresses and transactions – without you having to create a signature yourself. We carry out the test transfer and deliver an audit-proof certificate. Ideal for tax security within the 1-year holding period, estate planning, collateralization and accounting. All prices net plus VAT.
References origin
1. Trust Proof – €349
Package: (one-time)
One-time proof for existing holdings (up to 3 addresses).Full chain analysis + CleanProof + test transfer + digital certificate by trustee. Ideal for retro-checks (securing the past) or small, static portfolios.
Included:
Payment:
package proofs origin
2. Annual Trustee Package – €899
Package: (Annual subscription)
6 proofs per year (e.g. with every new purchase or transfer).Incl. ongoing chain analysis for new inflows + annual revision.Prioritized support & updates for regulatory changes.For active portfolios with regular new acquisitions.
Included:
Payment:
References origin
3. Notary Proof – €599
Package: (one-time)
Complete proof of origin + notarized deed incl. test transfer, chain analysis & complete documentation. For maximum probative value (tax office, court, bank, inheritance case). Ideal when a single, particularly strong proof is required (e.g. for audits, credit applications or disputes)
Included:
Payment:
package proof of origin
3. Notary Annual Package – €1,499
Package: (Annual subscription)
6 proofs/year + notarization with each new proof. Maximum probative value (tax office, court, bank). For family offices, companies or very high sums with ongoing purchases. Ideal if a single, particularly strong proof is required (e.g. for audits, lending or disputes)
Included:
Payment:
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Provenance Proof* = the gold standard for clean crypto origin.
In the crypto world, provenance refers to the traceable proof of origin and ownership of a digital asset.
In the crypto world, provenance refers to the verifiable proof of origin and ownership of a digital asset.
This means a complete, verifiable history of origin and transfers, which proves that an asset comes from "clean" sources. In practice, the term is used depending on the context as Blockchain Provenance, Proof of Provenance, or Asset/Cryptocurrency Provenance - Proof of Source (or Origin) of Funds.
1. Why is a signature alone not enough?
It only proves control over the private key, not the identity of the owner. Judicial or tax authorities require a clear assignment to a person.
2. Who can perform the test transfer?
Only a neutral instance such as a notary or trustee, who verifies the identity and records the process.
3. How long is the certificate valid?
The certificate refers to the specific time of the test transaction. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated.
4. Do I have to hand over my keys?
No. You retain full control over your wallet. The test transaction is only carried out with minimal amounts.
5. For which cases is the procedure particularly suitable?
Inheritances, divorces, Lombard loans, balance sheet valuation of company inventories, insurance.
used technical terms: *Provenance Proof
Provenance (also Provenience) in the context of cryptocurrencies and digital assets refers to the verifiable origin and history of an asset or a wallet.In short: Provenance seamlessly shows where a Bitcoin (or other crypto asset) comes from and through which wallets/transactions it has passed – from its creation (mining) to today. It's about transparency and trustworthiness: Is the asset "clean" (no theft, no mixer usage, no sanction violations)?
At trust4money / SeedPro:We document and certify the provenance of your assets through:- Blockchain tracking of the entire history- CleanProof (proof that no blacklist or risky transactions are present)- Provenance Proof (official certificate of origin and cleanliness)Why is it important?For banks, family offices, and institutions: Only assets with clear provenance are often eligible for lending (Bitcoin-backed Lending) or acceptable for estates/inheritances.MiCAR/BaFin-compliant: Reduces risks in cases of suspected money laundering and facilitates compliance checks.In short: Provenance = the complete "resume" of your Bitcoin – clean, verifiable, and trustworthy.
Terms used: *Lombard loan
Lombard loans (also called Lombard credits or securities loans) are loans that banks grant against the deposit of liquid assets ("Lombard collateral"). You deposit securities, stocks, funds, precious metals or – in modern cases – even cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as collateral with the bank. The bank grants you a loan (usually 50–80% of the value of the collateral) at favorable interest rates, without you having to sell the assets.
Typical features of classic banks:- Loan-to-Value (LTV): 50–70% for stocks/funds, for Bitcoin often 30–50% (due to volatility).- Interest rates: Low (currently approx. 4–8% p.a., depending on ECB key interest rate + risk premium).- Risk: If the value of the collateral falls (margin call), you must make additional payments or have assets sold.- Advantages: Fast liquidity, no sales taxes, assets remain in your possession.Lombard loans on Bitcoin / Crypto (since 2025/2026 at pioneering banks):More and more Volksbanken, Raiffeisenbanken and private banks offer them (e.g., Volksbank Raiffeisenbank Bayern Mitte with pilot 2026).Prerequisite: Clean provenance (CleanProof), transparent origin and secure custody.Often in combination with hybrid custody (as with trust4money) to avoid a single point of failure.With trust4money:We support Bitcoin-backed Lombard loans through:- Shared sovereignty ("We together") – the bank does not have sole access to your keys.- Provenance certification (CleanProof / Provenance Proof) – essential for banks.- Notary/trustee assistance during the deposit.This makes the process MiCAR-compliant and more attractive for banks (less regulatory effort).Lombard loans = Loan against deposit of assets. For Bitcoin, the modern variant of "crypto as collateral" – with trust4money safer and more transparent through shared control.
Terms used: *OTC deals
OTC-Deals (Over-the-Counter-Deals) are off-exchange, direct purchases/sales of cryptocurrencies between two parties – without a public exchange or exchange as an intermediary. In an OTC deal, large amounts (often from €50,000–100,000) are traded privately and discreetly. The price is negotiated individually, and the transaction runs directly wallet-to-wallet.
Advantages of OTC deals:- No slippage (price remains stable, no market influence from large orders)- Higher privacy (no public order book)- Often better prices for large volumes- Faster and more flexible than exchange tradingDisadvantages / Risks:- Counterparty risk (the other party does not pay or deliver)- Less regulation (no automatic buyer protection)- Higher money laundering risk → strict KYC/AML checks necessaryAt trust4money:We support secure OTC deals in our hybrid "We-together" custody:- Shared sovereignty protects against misuse- Provenance check (CleanProof) ensures that assets are clean- -- Notary or trustee accompaniment possible- MiCAR-compliant: No full CASP trading license necessary, as we do not operate a central platform
In short: OTC deals = discreet wholesale transactions for crypto. With trust4money safer and more transparent through shared control and verifiability.
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