Crypto Taxes in France 2026 – PFU, Rates & Reporting Guide

France taxes cryptocurrency under a flat tax rate. This guide explains the French crypto tax system, who qualifies as a casual vs professional trader, and how to file your return.

France's Flat Tax on Crypto (PFU)

France taxes capital gains from crypto under the Prélèvement Forfaitaire Unique (PFU), also called the "flat tax" or "30% tax." The total rate is 30%, consisting of:

• 12.8% income tax
• 17.2% social contributions (prélèvements sociaux)

Alternatively, you can opt for the progressive income tax scale (barème progressif), which may be more favorable if you are in a lower tax bracket. The choice applies to all capital income for that year, not just crypto.

Casual vs Professional Crypto Traders

The 30% PFU applies to casual investors (investisseurs occasionnels). If you are deemed a professional trader (trader professionnel), your crypto gains are taxed as commercial income (Bénéfices Industriels et Commerciaux – BIC) at progressive rates up to 45%, plus social contributions. Factors that may result in professional classification: high trading frequency, large volumes, or trading as your primary income source.

Annual Allowance

There is a €305 annual exemption on total disposal proceeds. If your total crypto proceeds for the year are below €305, you are exempt. Note this is calculated on total proceeds, not gains, so it only applies if you traded very small amounts.

Taxable Events in France

• Selling crypto for euros or other fiat currency – taxable
• Using crypto to buy goods or services – taxable
• Crypto-to-crypto trades – NOT taxable (unique to France, this is a significant benefit)
• Airdrops and forks – not taxable when received but gain is calculated when sold
• Staking rewards – tax treatment depends on whether passive or active

Crypto-to-Crypto Trades Are Tax-Free

One of France's most notable crypto tax rules: swapping one cryptocurrency for another is not a taxable event. You only trigger a tax event when you convert to fiat or use crypto for goods/services. This allows rebalancing your portfolio without triggering French tax, though you still need to track the overall portfolio gain for when you ultimately cash out.

Declaring Crypto Accounts Abroad

French residents must declare foreign crypto exchange accounts to the Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP) if they held a foreign account at any point during the year. Use form 3916-bis. Failure to declare carries penalties.

Filing Your French Crypto Return

Report crypto disposals using Formulaire 2086 (Cessions d'actifs numériques). This form calculates your taxable gain based on the fraction of your total portfolio sold. File it with your annual income tax return (Form 2042) by the May deadline.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. For individual tax advice, consult a licensed tax professional.