Crypto Tax in France 2026: 31.4% (PFU) Rate, Forms & Deadlines

Taxation of cryptocurrencies in France

In France, capital gains on cryptocurrencies are subject to tax. The calculation method used is PMPA with a rate of 31.4% (PFU). Understanding these rules is essential to stay compliant with tax legislation.

The PMPA method explained in detail

The Weighted Average Acquisition Cost (PMPA) calculates the average cost of your global portfolio. Each sale is taxed on the difference between the sale price and the PMPA × the fraction of portfolio sold. Crypto-to-crypto exchanges are not taxable in France.

Taxable events

In France, only converting to fiat currency (euros, dollars…) triggers tax: crypto-to-crypto swaps are tax-neutral.

• ●Sale of crypto for fiat currency (EUR, USD...)
• ●Payment for goods or services with cryptocurrencies
• ●Receiving staking rewards: taxable as income at the time of receipt
• ●Airdrops and free tokens: generally taxable at the value upon receipt
• ●Mining income: taxable as business income or miscellaneous income
• ●Crypto-to-crypto exchange (in some countries only)
• ●Transfer between your own wallets
• ●Crypto-to-crypto swap (e.g. BTC → ETH)
• ●Converting to a stablecoin (USDT, USDC…)
• ●Holding (HODL): holding without selling does not create any tax obligation (except in the Netherlands, Box 3)

Tax declaration procedure in France

You must declare your crypto capital gains on the following forms: 2086, 2042-C, 3916-bis. We recommend keeping the complete history of your transactions as proof.

Exemption thresholds and allowances

In France, the 305€ threshold applies to the total amount of your disposals for the year (gross sale proceeds), not to your gains. If that total does not exceed 305€, the capital gains realised are not taxable. Even below the threshold, filing a return may still be required. For comparison, other countries instead exempt gains based on the holding period: 12 months in Germany, 3 years in Czechia, 365 days in Portugal.

Deadlines and tax calendar

Each country has its own tax filing deadlines. The online return is filed in spring of the following year, with a deadline set by département; the calendar is published each year by the DGFiP. We strongly recommend preparing your crypto tax return in advance with Taxes Crypto rather than waiting until the last moment.

Penalties for non-declaration

Failing to declare your crypto capital gains can lead to significant penalties: tax surcharges, late-payment interest, and in serious cases, criminal prosecution for tax fraud. In the EU, the DAC8 directive gives tax administrations platform data on transactions made since 2026 (first exchanges by 30 September 2027 at the latest), which makes audits easier.

Tax treatment of crypto-to-crypto exchanges

In France, a crypto-to-crypto swap (e.g. BTC → ETH) is not taxable in itself: only converting to fiat triggers tax. You can rebalance between cryptos without a taxable event.

NFTs, DeFi and derivatives

In France, the 31.4% (PFU) rate shown in this guide applies to disposals of crypto-assets; whether it applies to NFTs, DeFi income and derivatives depends on how they are classified, which is not documented here for each case. Regularly creating or selling NFTs may amount to a business activity. Since 1 January 2026, the gain on disposing of an NFT is taxed under the regime of the asset or right it represents (art. 150 VH ter CGI), not automatically under the cryptocurrency regime.

Obligation to declare crypto accounts and wallets

Yes, if the platform is established abroad: form 3916-bis covers each crypto-asset wallet opened, held, used or closed with an entity established outside France and, since the law of 25 June 2026, NFTs held or used abroad. The fine is €750 per wallet or NFT not reported, €1,500 if their value exceeded €50,000 during the year. The test is the country of the entity that holds your account, not the platform's brand.

Practical calculation examples in France

In France, take a taxable gain of 10,000 €. At a rate of 31.4%, the tax due comes to roughly 3,140 €.

That is 1,280 € of income tax plus 1,860 € of social contributions.

Tax calendar and key dates in France

In France, crypto gains are reported via 2086, 2042-C, 3916-bis. The online return is filed in spring of the following year, with a deadline set by département; the calendar is published each year by the DGFiP.

Specific tips for France

Crypto taxation in France has certain specificities that are important to know. The PMPA calculation method imposes a precise logic for determining the order of disposals. Investors should be particularly vigilant about the following: crypto-to-crypto exchanges may be taxable depending on the jurisdiction, airdrops and hard forks have specific tax treatment, and staking or mining income is generally considered taxable income upon receipt. In case of a change of tax residence, the rules of your new country apply for future transactions, but unrealised gains may be subject to an exit tax in certain cases. Consult a tax professional if your situation is complex.

Frequently asked questions about crypto tax in France

Crypto investors in France often have the same questions. Do I need to declare if I haven't sold? Generally, simply holding crypto assets is not taxable, but some countries require a wealth declaration. What happens if I forgot to declare in previous years? Most tax administrations allow voluntary regularisation, often with reduced penalties. How are NFTs taxed? Their tax treatment depends on the right attached to the token and is not always that of cryptocurrencies. The applicable rate in France is 31.4% (PFU), and the required forms are: 2086, 2042-C, 3916-bis. Taxes Crypto automatically generates a report compatible with these forms to simplify your declaration.