France Crypto Tax Calculator
Estimate France crypto capital gains tax using a simplified 2025 Direction Générale des Finances Publiques model.
How to Calculate Crypto Capital Gains Tax in France
France taxes cryptocurrency gains under the Prélèvement Forfaitaire Unique (PFU), commonly known as the flat tax, which applies a 30% levy comprising 12.8% income tax and 17.2% social contributions. For occasional private sellers, a small exemption of €305 per year applies to disposals. Alternatively, taxpayers can elect progressive income tax treatment, though this calculator models the standard PFU approach. Professional or habitual traders are taxed under BIC or BNC rules instead, making the occasional versus professional distinction critically important.
The France Crypto Tax Estimator uses the DGFiP PFU model for 2025. The calculation begins with: Gain = (Selling Price − Purchase Price) × Quantity. For occasional private sellers, the first €305 of gains per year is exempt. Gains above this threshold are subject to the 30% PFU flat levy, which includes 12.8% income tax and 17.2% social contributions (prélèvements sociaux). The tax is calculated as: Tax = (Gain − €305) × 30%. Professional or habitual traders do not qualify for the PFU or the €305 exemption and are instead taxed under the BIC (industrial and commercial profits) or BNC (non-commercial profits) regime at progressive rates, which this calculator does not model. The calculator also assumes you are an occasional private seller making disposals in euros. Crypto-to-crypto swaps are treated as taxable disposals, and the value of the received crypto determines your proceeds.
Track your gains throughout the year using the Profit/Loss Calculator so you are prepared for end-of-year tax filing. To work out your cost basis across multiple buys, use the DCA calculator.
France Tax Rules at a Glance
Example Calculations
Example A: Gain Below Exemption
You bought 0.1 ETH at €2,000 and sold at €4,500. You are an occasional private seller.
Example B: Gain Above Exemption
You bought 0.5 BTC at €25,000 and sold at €45,000. You are an occasional private seller.
Example C: Crypto-to-Crypto Swap
You swapped 1 ETH (cost €3,000) for 0.05 BTC worth €5,000.
Filing Guide — Direction Générale des Finances Publiques
French taxpayers report crypto gains in their annual income tax return using Formulaire 2042-C and Annexe 3AN/3BN for digital asset sales. The online declaration period typically runs from May to June following the tax year. If you use the PFU, the tax is calculated automatically by the system based on your reported disposals. Professional traders must use different forms and may need to make quarterly advance payments. Keep all exchange statements and wallet records for at least three years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common French mistake is assuming the €305 exemption applies to professional or habitual trading activity, which it does not. Another error is failing to report crypto-to-crypto swaps as taxable disposals. Many taxpayers also miscalculate the euro value of their transactions by using incorrect exchange rates or by ignoring fees. Choosing between the PFU and progressive income tax without proper analysis can also lead to paying more tax than necessary.
Official Resources
The following links point to official DGFiP guidance on cryptocurrency taxation in France:
- DGFiP: Form 2042 — annual income tax return portal (French)
- Legifrance: Code général des impôts — French tax code provisions on capital gains (French)
Related Resources
Before you can file your crypto taxes, you need to know your profit or loss. Use our Profit/Loss Calculator to track gains and losses for every trade.
Read our comprehensive Crypto Tax Guide for a global overview of how cryptocurrency is taxed, including DeFi, staking, and filing best practices.
France Crypto Tax Estimator — FAQ
What is the PFU in France?
The Prélèvement Forfaitaire Unique (PFU) is a flat tax of 30% on capital gains, including crypto. It consists of 12.8% income tax and 17.2% social contributions (prélèvements sociaux). Occasional private sellers can benefit from a €305 annual exemption.
Does the holding period affect crypto tax in France?
No. Unlike some countries, France does not offer a reduced tax rate for long-term crypto holdings. The PFU applies uniformly regardless of how long you held the asset, unless you opt for progressive income tax treatment.
Are crypto-to-crypto swaps taxable in France?
Yes. Exchanging one cryptocurrency for another is considered a taxable disposal. You must determine the euro fair market value of the crypto received and calculate your gain relative to your original cost basis.
Can I offset crypto losses against other income in France?
Crypto capital losses can generally only offset capital gains of the same nature within the same year. They cannot offset salary income or other ordinary income. Unused losses may carry forward under specific conditions.
Who qualifies as an occasional private seller?
An occasional private seller is someone who disposes of crypto infrequently as part of personal asset management. If you trade frequently, operate as a business, or derive your primary income from crypto, you are classified as a professional and taxed under BIC or BNC rules.
Should I choose the PFU or progressive income tax?
The PFU is mandatory by default for occasional sellers. You can elect progressive income tax for all your investment income if it results in a lower overall tax rate. This election applies to all investment income for that year, not just crypto, so consult a tax professional before deciding.