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

Some EU countries provide exemption thresholds below which crypto capital gains are not taxable. In France, the threshold is 305€. If your annual capital gains are below this amount, you owe no tax (though you may still be required to file a declaration). Other countries offer holding period exemptions: in Germany, crypto held for more than 12 months is tax-free; in Czechia, 3 years; in Slovenia, the exemption is progressive up to 15 years.

Deadlines and tax calendar

Each EU country has its own tax filing deadlines. In France, the income tax return (including crypto capital gains) must generally be filed between April and June of the following year. 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 (10% to 40%), late-payment interest, and in serious cases, criminal prosecution for tax fraud. With DAC8 (2026), Binance automatically transmits your data to tax authorities, making detection of non-filers virtually automatic.

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, NFTs are generally treated like other crypto-assets: selling at a gain is taxable under the applicable regime (31.4% (PFU)). DeFi income (staking, lending, yield farming) and derivatives (futures, options) are also taxable, each under its own regime. Regularly creating or selling NFTs may qualify as a professional activity.

Obligation to declare crypto accounts and wallets

As a resident of an EU country like France, you generally must declare digital-asset accounts held on foreign platforms. Under the DAC8 directive, automatic exchange of information between tax authorities becomes the norm from 2026.

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, your crypto gains are usually filed by May for the previous year, via 2086, 2042-C, 3916-bis. Gather your statements early to meet this deadline.

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? In most cases, NFTs follow the same rules as other crypto assets. 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.