FAQ — Crypto gift card taxation
Are there tax consequences for buying a gift card with crypto? Here are the principles.
Is buying a gift card with crypto taxable?
In France, a non-professional individual disposing of crypto to buy goods or services triggers a taxable disposal. The latent capital gain on the spent crypto is theoretically taxable. In practice, under the annual €305 disposals threshold, nothing needs to be declared.
What about above €305 disposals per year?
The capital gain (sale value × global portfolio value / global acquisition value) is taxed at the flat rate (PFU 30%) or at the progressive rate by election, on box 3AN/3BN of your tax return. Keep the transaction hashes and StackGift receipts as evidence.
How do I compute the capital gain?
Per the official method: (disposal price × global portfolio value) / global acquisition value. It is complex — a tool like Waltio, Koinly or ZenLedger automates the calculation from your wallet history.
And for businesses?
If your business pays in crypto, it's a taxable disposal under business capital gains (BIC or IS in France). Keep separate crypto accounting. Employee gift cards remain exempt within the usual social security caps.
DAC8 — what consequences?
DAC8 (in force in the EU from 2026) requires crypto platforms to automatically report client transactions to national tax authorities. We are compliant: if you exceed the thresholds, your transactions are reported.
Is buying a card with a loss-making crypto tax-efficient?
Theoretically yes: you crystallize a loss that can offset future gains. But the calculation is rarely simple. Consult a crypto-savvy accountant before optimizing.
Does the gift card recipient need to declare?
No, except for very high amounts subject to gift tax rules (above €31,865 between family members, with separate allowances). Standard gift cards are not affected.