What is the PFU flat tax in France?

The Prélèvement Forfaitaire Unique (PFU), also called the "flat tax," applies a fixed rate of 30% to capital gains on financial assets. It consists of 12.8% income tax and 17.2% social charges (prélèvements sociaux). It has applied to financial assets since 1 January 2018 and to crypto gains since 1 January 2023.

Can I choose the progressive income tax scale instead of the PFU?

Yes. Taxpayers may opt globally (for all eligible investment income) for the progressive income tax scale (0%, 11%, 30%, 41%, or 45% depending on household income). The 17.2% social charges still apply. The option is advantageous when your marginal income tax rate is below 12.8%, which is unusual for gains of any size.

How does real estate CGT work in France?

For real estate (immovable property), taper relief (abattement pour durée de détention) reduces the taxable gain. For income tax purposes, 6% relief per year is applied from year 6 to year 21, and 4% in year 22, giving full exemption after 22 years. For social charges, 1.65% per year applies from year 6 to year 21, 1.60% in year 22, and 9% from year 23 to year 30, giving full exemption after 30 years.

What are social charges (prélèvements sociaux) in France?

Social charges of 17.2% apply to most capital gains in addition to income tax. They comprise CSG (9.9%), CRDS (0.5%), Prélèvement de solidarité (7.5%), and other minor levies. EU/EEA residents who are not affiliated with the French social security system may pay a reduced rate of 7.5% instead.

Is crypto taxed as capital gains in France?

Yes. Private digital-asset gains default to the PFU, but since 1 January 2023 taxpayers may instead elect the progressive income-tax scale on their return. Professional activity follows separate BIC or BNC rules.

What deductions are allowed on real estate gains in France?

The acquisition cost can be increased by a forfait of 7.5% to cover acquisition fees. Renovation and improvement works (by registered firms) can be deducted if not already claimed against rental income. Property held as a primary residence is fully exempt.

France Capital Gains Tax Calculator

Enter your capital gain, asset type, and holding period to estimate French capital gains tax under the 30% PFU, progressive scale, or property taper relief.

Your Details

Asset Type

Shares / Bonds Real Estate Crypto

Capital Gain (proceeds minus cost)

€

Enter the gross gain before any taper relief or allowances.

Other Taxable Income (household, before this gain)

€

Used to determine your marginal rate for the progressive scale comparison.

Social Charges Rate

EU/EEA residents affiliated with a foreign social security system may pay 7.5% instead of 17.2%.

Fill in your details and click Calculate Tax

Tax Summary

Total Tax

€0

Effective Rate

Net Gain

€0

Taper Relief (Abattement pour Durée de Détention)

Component	Abatement %	Taxable Gain

Calculation Breakdown

2024 Progressive Income Tax Brackets

Household Income	Rate

Estimate only — 2024 French tax rules for individual residents. Excludes household quotient, deficits, PEA exemptions, and regional surcharges. Consult a French tax advisor (conseiller fiscal) for personal advice.

Summary

The France Capital Gains Tax Calculator estimates the tax owed on asset disposals for French residents. Financial assets (shares, bonds, crypto) are subject to the Prélèvement Forfaitaire Unique (PFU) of 30% — comprising 12.8% income tax and 17.2% social charges — but taxpayers may opt for the progressive income tax scale if it produces a lower liability. Real estate gains benefit from taper relief that reduces the taxable portion after the fifth year of ownership, reaching full exemption from income tax after 22 years and from social charges after 30 years.

How it works

Select the asset type: financial assets (shares, bonds), real estate, or crypto.
Enter the gross capital gain — sale price minus acquisition cost and eligible expenses.
For real estate, enter the number of years the property has been held to apply taper relief.
For financial assets, enter your other taxable income to compare PFU versus the progressive scale.
The calculator computes tax under both methods and highlights the lower amount.
A full breakdown shows income tax, social charges (prélèvements sociaux), and the effective rate.

Use cases

Estimate tax before selling shares, ETFs, or bonds held in a regular brokerage account.
Calculate the tax saving from the taper relief on a long-held investment property.
Determine whether opting for the progressive scale is more advantageous than the 30% PFU.
Model the after-tax proceeds from selling a second home in France.
Estimate French crypto tax under the 30% PFU introduced for 2023 gains.
Compare holding periods for real estate to identify the optimal sale year.
Plan asset disposals between tax years to minimize overall liability.
Understand how social charges (17.2%) stack on top of income tax for French gains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-04 · Reviewed by Nham Vu