Crypto Tax in France 2026: How to Report Your Gains

The Tax Framework for Cryptocurrencies in France

Since the 2019 Finance Act, capital gains on crypto assets have been subject to a specific tax regime in France, codified under Article 150 VH bis of the CGI (Code Général des Impôts). In 2026, this regime has been confirmed and refined by the European MiCA regulation and the latest tax guidance.

The fundamental principle: only converting crypto to fiat (euros) or using crypto to purchase goods/services constitutes a taxable event. Crypto-to-crypto swaps are not taxable.

The Flat Tax Regime (PFU)

For Occasional Investors (Default Regime)

Capital gains on crypto assets are subject to the Prélèvement Forfaitaire Unique (PFU) of 30 %, consisting of:

• 12.8 % income tax
• 17.2 % social contributions (prélèvements sociaux)

This rate applies to the total capital gain realised over the entire calendar year.

Opting for the Progressive Income Tax Scale

It is possible to opt for taxation under the progressive income tax scale (instead of the 12.8 %). This option is worthwhile if your marginal tax rate (TMI) is below 12.8 %, i.e., if you are in the 11 % bracket or non-taxable. The 17.2 % social contributions remain due in all cases.

How to Calculate the Taxable Capital Gain

The Official Formula

The taxable capital gain on a disposal is calculated as follows:

Capital gain = Sale price - (Total acquisition cost x Sale price / Total portfolio value)

This so-called global weighted average cost method takes into account your entire crypto portfolio at the time of each disposal.

Detailed Example

Pierre purchased a total of 5 000 € in cryptocurrencies at different times. His portfolio is now worth 12 000 €. He sells 3 000 € worth of Ethereum.

Calculation:

• Sale price: 3 000 €
• Proportional acquisition cost: 5 000 x (3 000 / 12 000) = 1 250 €
• Taxable capital gain: 3 000 - 1 250 = 1 750 €
• Tax (PFU 30 %): 1 750 x 30 % = 525 €

He is left with 3 000 - 525 = 2 475 € net.

Non-Taxable Scenarios

• Crypto-to-crypto swaps: not taxable (BTC to ETH, for example)
• Crypto-to-stablecoin swaps: case law is still unclear, but the tax authority considers stablecoins as crypto assets, therefore not taxable
• Total annual capital gains below 305 €: full exemption (disposal threshold)

Reporting Obligations

Foreign Account Reporting (Form 3916-bis)

Any French taxpayer holding an account on a foreign exchange platform (Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, etc.) must report it every year via Form 3916-bis, even if the account has a zero balance.

Penalties for non-reporting: a fine of 750 € per unreported account, potentially rising to 1 500 € if the account value exceeds 50 000 €.

Capital Gains Reporting (Form 2086)

Each taxable disposal must be reported on Form 2086, attached to the income tax return. You must indicate:

• The date of each disposal
• The sale price
• The total acquisition cost of the entire portfolio
• The total portfolio value at the time of disposal
• The capital gain or loss calculated

Calendar

• April-June: reporting of income from year N-1
• Forms 3916-bis and 2086 must be attached to the main tax return

Tax Optimisation

Strategy 1: Spread Disposals Over Time

If your portfolio has grown significantly, spread your sales over multiple years to avoid concentrating a large capital gain in a single tax year. This does not affect the rate (30 % flat), but can be useful if you opt for the progressive scale.

Strategy 2: Realise Capital Losses

Capital losses can be offset against capital gains of the same type (crypto) in the same year. If you hold positions at a loss, sell them before 31 December to offset your gains.

Example: Paul has realised 5 000 € in capital gains on Bitcoin. He also holds altcoins at a 2 000 € loss. By selling these altcoins before 31/12:

• Net capital gain: 5 000 - 2 000 = 3 000 €
• Tax: 3 000 x 30 % = 900 € (instead of 1 500 €)
• Saving: 600 €

Strategy 3: Use the 305 € Threshold

If your annual capital gains are below 305 €, you are fully exempt. For small portfolios, limit your annual disposals to this threshold.

Strategy 4: Donations to Charities

Donations of crypto assets to recognised public-interest organisations are tax-deductible under the same conditions as standard donations (66 % or 75 % of the amount, subject to caps).

The Case of Professional Traders (BIC)

If the tax authority considers your crypto activity to be professional (daily trading, primary income), gains are taxed under the Bénéfices Industriels et Commerciaux (BIC) regime, with taxation potentially reaching 55-60 % (income tax + social contributions).

Criteria used by the tax authority to classify an activity as professional:

• Frequency and volume of transactions
• Sophistication of tools used (bots, automated trading)
• Share of crypto income in total income
• Habitual nature of the activity

Calculation Tools

Several software tools automate crypto capital gains calculations:

• Waltio: connected to 200+ platforms, generates Form 2086
• Koinly: international tool with French support
• CoinTracking: detailed portfolio analysis

These tools cost between 50 and 200 €/year but are essential for active portfolios.

Conclusion

Crypto taxation in France is clear but demanding in terms of reporting obligations. The 30 % PFU is competitive compared to other European countries. Reporting errors (forgetting the 3916-bis, not declaring disposals) can lead to severe penalties. Use a tracking tool, keep the history of all your transactions, and meticulously report your foreign accounts and capital gains.