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

France keeps it relatively simple for most crypto investors: a flat 30% rate called the PFU. But "simple" has a catch – if the fisc classifies you as a professional trader, that rate jumps to 45% plus social contributions. Here's how to know which category you're in and what to do about it.

France's Flat Tax on Crypto (PFU)

France applies the Prélèvement Forfaitaire Unique (PFU) – a flat 30% – to crypto capital gains. That 30% breaks down as 12.8% income tax plus 17.2% social contributions. Simple enough.

There is an alternative: you can opt for the progressive barème income tax scale instead. If your marginal rate is lower than 30%, this can save money. The catch – the choice applies to all your capital income that year, not just crypto.

Casual vs Professional Crypto Traders

The 30% PFU is for casual investors. If the DGFiP classifies you as a professional trader, your gains move to Bénéfices Industriels et Commerciaux (BIC) – commercial income taxed at progressive rates up to 45%, plus social contributions. That’s a very different bill. Triggers include high trading frequency, large volumes, or making a living from it.

Annual Allowance

There’s a €305 exemption on total disposal proceeds per year. Stay below €305 in total crypto sales and you’re exempt. Note: this is on total proceeds, not gains – so it only applies if you barely traded at all that year.

Taxable Events in France

• Selling crypto for euros or other fiat – taxable
• Buying goods or services with crypto – taxable
• Crypto-to-crypto swaps – NOT taxable (France is unusual here)
• Airdrops and forks – not taxable at receipt, but gain is calculated when you ultimately sell
• Staking – treatment varies depending on passive vs active nature

Crypto-to-Crypto Trades Are Tax-Free

This is France’s most investor-friendly rule: swapping one crypto for another is not a taxable event. You can rebalance your portfolio, rotate between tokens, swap on DEXs – none of that triggers French tax. You only owe when you convert to fiat or spend crypto on goods and services. You still need to track your overall portfolio value for the eventual cash-out calculation, but the freedom to trade internally without a tax event is genuinely rare.

Declaring Crypto Accounts Abroad

French residents must declare any foreign crypto exchange accounts to the DGFiP if you held the account at any point during the year – even if you didn’t make any trades. Use form 3916-bis. Non-disclosure penalties are significant and actively enforced.

Filing Your French Crypto Return

Use Formulaire 2086 (Cessions d’actifs numériques) to report crypto disposals. This form calculates your taxable gain as a fraction of your total portfolio sold. Attach it to your annual income tax return (Form 2042) before 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.