How is crypto taxed in France?

Crypto gains are taxed under PFU (Prélèvement Forfaitaire Unique) at flat 30% — composed of 12.8% income tax + 17.2% social contributions (CSG/CRDS). Since 2023, individuals can opt for progressive income tax instead if it is more favorable.

What is the French annual crypto allowance?

If your total annual disposals are under €305, no crypto tax is owed. This is a low threshold but useful for occasional traders.

How do I report crypto gains in France?

Crypto gains are reported on formulaire 2086 (annexe), with the totals carried to formulaire 2042-C box 3AN/3BN for PFU. Filing deadline mid-May to early June depending on departement.

Is professional crypto trading taxed differently in France?

Yes. Activity classified as professional (high frequency, organized, primary livelihood) is taxed as BIC (industrial/commercial profit) at progressive income rates plus social contributions, not PFU. Tax authority looks at frequency, organization, intent, and other factors.

France Crypto Tax Calculator 2025

France uses the PFU (Prélèvement Forfaitaire Unique) — a flat 30% rate on crypto capital gains, simpler than most EU countries. Calculate your tax in 30 seconds.

How French crypto tax works

France treats crypto as actifs numériques (digital assets) under the PACTE Law. Capital gains on disposal are taxed under one of two regimes:

PFU (default since 2019): flat 30% on net gain (12.8% income tax + 17.2% social contributions)
Progressive income tax (opt-in): can be elected each year if it is more favorable for your specific income level

For most taxpayers, PFU is favorable. Progressive option becomes attractive only at very low total income.

The €305 annual exemption

If your total annual crypto disposals (sum of all sale prices, not net gains) stay under €305, no tax is owed. This is a "tout ou rien" threshold — €306 of disposals = full PFU on the entire gain.

What is a "disposal" in France?

Selling crypto for fiat (EUR, USD, etc.)
Spending crypto on goods or services
Exchanging one crypto for another (NOT TAXABLE under French law since 2019! Crypto-to-crypto is exempt — major French quirk)

The crypto-to-crypto exemption is one of France's most favorable provisions. Trading ETH → BTC → SOL → USDC creates no taxable event; only the eventual conversion to fiat or spending on goods/services triggers PFU. This makes France attractive for active traders.

Mining and staking

Mining/staking rewards as a non-professional are taxed as BNC (non-commercial profits) at progressive income rates, with a 34% deduction option (régime micro-BNC). This is different from disposal-of-crypto taxation under PFU.

Professional vs occasional

French tax law distinguishes:

Occasional trader: PFU 30% on disposals to fiat. Default for most retail.
Professional trader: BIC (industrial/commercial) tax — progressive rates 11–45% + social contributions ~30%. Triggered by frequency, complexity, leverage, primary income.

Reporting

Formulaire 2086: annexe listing each disposal with cost basis and proceeds
Formulaire 2042-C: totals carried over, box 3AN (gains) or 3BN (losses)
Deadline: mid-May to early June depending on département (online filing extends slightly)

Software for French filers

Koinly generates French formulaire 2086-ready reports natively, applies the crypto-to-crypto exemption rule, and handles the €305 threshold check. CoinTracking and Waltio (French-native) are alternatives.

France Crypto Tax Calculator — 2025