Bitcoin, Ether, stablecoins… Cryptocurrencies have established themselves in a few years in the financial landscape of individuals. In France, almost 6.5 million people now hold crypto-assetsor approximately 12% of the adult populationaccording to the ADAN-KPMG-Ipsos study. More broadly, 84% of French people have already heard of it, proof of its rapid diffusion, particularly among young investors.
But this democratization is accompanied by a fiscal reality that is still poorly controlled. With the 2026 tax campaign, many taxpayers must include their cryptocurrency transactions in their tax return, sometimes for the first time. At the same time, the tax administration strengthens its means of controlin particular thanks to automatic exchanges of information at European level. In this context, errors or omissions can be costly.
Which cryptocurrency transactions are taxable?
The taxation of cryptocurrencies is based on a simple but often misunderstood rule. As the General Directorate of Public Finances reminds us: “Are taxable capital gains realized during the sale of digital assets for a currency legal tender, such as the euro. » In practice, this means that operations remain neutral as long as they take place only between cryptocurrencies. “Exchanges between cryptocurrencies do not constitute, in principle, an event giving rise to immediate taxation”, specifies the administration. In practice:
- a Bitcoin exchange for Ethereum = no tax
- a crypto to euro conversion = tax
It is therefore this transition towards a classic currency which triggers taxation. From that moment on, the capital gain realized becomes taxable and must be declared. Especially as transparency accelerates: “Declarative obligations are part of a European environment of increasing transparency, in particular with the “DAC 8” systems”underlines the DGFiP.
Should you declare from the first euro?
Yes, or almost. “An individual must declare the capital gain realized when he makes a taxable transfer during the year, even for a small amount »indicates the DGFiP. There is therefore no traditional exemption threshold. However, there is an exception: “A specific exemption applies when the total annual transfers do not exceed €305”. Beyond this amount, all winnings become taxable.
What tax rate in 2026?
By default, winnings in cryptocurrencies are subject to the single flat-rate levy (PFU). “In 2026, the overall rate is 31.4%broken down as follows: 12.8% for income tax and 18.6% for social security contributions”specifies the DGFiP. An alternative exists: the progressive income tax scale. But be careful, this option is framed: “It is global, annual and irrevocable for the year concerned”recalls the administration. In practice, “PFU remains the most common plan because it is often more advantageous”underlines the DGFiP.
What forms must be completed?
The declaration of cryptocurrencies is based on several mandatory documents. Form no. 2086 allows you to detail capital gains and losses. The result must then be reported in the main declaration (2042). Another crucial point: “Digital asset accounts held abroad must be declared via form 3916-3916 bis”recalls the DGFiP. And this, even without any gains made.
What are the most common errors?
The tax administration observes a major pitfall among taxpayers. “Forgetting to declare the capital gain constitutes the main error”underlines the DGFiP. An oversight that can be costly, especially in a context of reinforced control.
However, certain operations remain difficult to interpret for tax purposes. “Exchanges between cryptocurrencies must be taken into account when calculating the total acquisition price »specifies the DGFiP. For more complex cases, a solution exists: “The DGFiP makes available a tax ruling procedure enabling a formal position to be taken. A valuable tool to secure your situation, in particular for:
- staking
- NFTs
- complex assemblies
The advice of the administration is therefore simple but essential: “It is necessary to declare all the information that the taxpayer has at his disposal »insists the DGFiP. In a context of increased transparency, it is better to be too precise than not enough.
