France Crypto Taxes Guide 2026: Complete Overview

Crypto Taxes in France: The Complete 2026 Guide

 

Quick Summary

France classifies cryptocurrency as a “digital asset” (*actif numérique*) subject to a dedicated tax regime under Article 150 VH bis of the French Tax Code. Individuals are taxed on capital gains at a flat 30% rate (the “PFU” or *flat tax*), while professional traders may fall under a different tax regime. Income from mining, staking, and other crypto activities is also taxable. The French Tax Authority (*Direction Générale des Finances Publiques*, DGFiP) provides detailed guidance through its official portal.

 

How France Classifies Cryptocurrency for Tax Purposes

 

Crypto as a Digital Asset

The French Tax Code (Article 150 VH bis) defines crypto as a digital asset (*actif numérique*). This classification covers tokens, cryptocurrencies, and related digital units. Disposals of digital assets trigger capital gains taxation for individuals acting in a non-professional capacity.

 

Key Legal Framework

The taxation of digital assets is governed primarily by:

• Article 150 VH bis – capital gains regime for private individuals
• Article L54-10-1 of the Monetary and Financial Code – definition of digital assets
• DGFiP guidance – reporting rules, valuation requirements, and examples

 

Taxable Crypto Events in France

 

1. Selling Cryptocurrency for Fiat

This is the primary taxable event for individuals. A sale of crypto for euros (or another fiat currency) triggers capital gains tax based on the difference between acquisition cost and sale price.

 

2. Using Crypto to Buy Goods or Services

Purchasing goods or services with crypto is treated as a taxable disposal, requiring capital gains calculation under Article 150 VH bis.

 

3. Trading Crypto for Crypto

Crypto-to-crypto trades do not constitute taxable disposals. France only taxes disposals into fiat or purchases made with crypto.

 

4. Receiving Crypto as Income

Crypto earned from mining, staking, employment, services rendered, interest, or rewards is considered taxable income. Income tax or industrial/commercial profits (*BIC*) rules may apply depending on the activity.

 

5. Professional Trading Activity

If trading is considered habitual or professional, gains may be taxed under the *BNC* or *BIC* regimes rather than the simplified digital asset regime.

 

Capital Gains Tax Rates on Crypto in France

 

Flat Tax (Prélèvement Forfaitaire Unique – PFU)

Private individuals benefit from a single flat tax rate on digital asset capital gains:

• 30% total (12.8% income tax + 17.2% social contributions)

Only net annual gains are taxed. Losses can offset gains in the same tax year but cannot be carried forward.

 

Income Tax on Crypto Earnings

 

What Counts as Crypto Income?

• Mining and staking rewards
• Airdrops received as compensation or reward
• Interest earned on lending or DeFi protocols
• Crypto received through employment or freelancing

Income tax rates vary depending on whether earnings fall under:

• BIC (industrial/commercial profits)
• BNC (non-commercial profits)
• General income tax bands

 

Reporting Requirements for Crypto in France

 

Annual Tax Return

Capital gains must be declared through Form 2086 (*Formulaire 2086*). Income from crypto is declared via standard income tax forms depending on the category of earnings.

 

Foreign Exchange Accounts & Wallets

French residents must declare any foreign digital asset accounts (e.g., exchange accounts located outside France) using Form 3916-BIS.

 

Record-Keeping Obligations

DGFiP expects taxpayers to maintain detailed documentation including acquisition costs, transaction histories, exchange records, and wallet movements.

 

How Losses on Crypto Are Treated

 

Offsetting Crypto Losses

Losses can offset gains within the same tax year only. Unlike some EU jurisdictions, France does not allow loss carryover for digital assets.

 

Special Cases: NFTs, Airdrops & DeFi

 

NFT Transactions

NFTs are treated as digital assets. Disposals into fiat trigger capital gains taxation. Professional NFT creators may instead fall under *BNC* or *BIC* regimes.

 

DeFi Activity

France has no dedicated DeFi tax legislation; taxation depends on the economic substance of the transaction. Interest and rewards are taxable income, while disposals into fiat trigger capital gains.

 

How to Prepare Crypto Taxes in France

 

Tracking Transactions

Accurate records of acquisitions, disposals, and income events are required. Crypto tax tools can simplify calculations for Form 2086 and PFU reporting.

 

Using Crypto Tools for France

Several crypto platforms support the French PFU regime, automated cost basis calculation, and integration with DGFiP reporting requirements.

 

Penalties for Non-Compliance

 

Failure to declare gains, income, or foreign accounts may result in significant penalties. DGFiP actively monitors crypto transactions, and French exchanges must report user data in accordance with AML and tax regulations.

 

Conclusion

 

France offers a clear tax framework focused on disposals into fiat and income generated from crypto activities. With a 30% flat tax for individuals and specific reporting obligations for foreign accounts, proper documentation and accurate annual declarations are essential for compliance.

 

References / Sources

 

• Koinly – Crypto Tax France Guide
• CMS Law – Crypto Asset Taxation in France
• Article 150 VH bis – French Tax Code
• DGFiP – French Tax Authority