- France’s low tax rates and unambiguous regulations give it a competitive edge over other major jurisdictions, including the US and UK.
- However, the proposed changes to France’s tax system could deter investors and crypto businesses.
- France must consider the potential negative impact of new regulations, such as stifling innovation and discouraging investments.
France has established itself as the European hub for crypto businesses. Binance, Ledger Wallet, and stablecoin issuer Circle chose Paris as their headquarters due to favorable tax rates and clear regulations.
However, industry players now question France’s dominance as political turmoil brings significant revisions to the country’s tax policy.
How France Became EU’s Crypto Haven
France holds several key advantages that attracted crypto businesses:
- Favorable tax rates: Unlike most EU countries, France has no tax on crypto-to-crypto transactions. Besides, it offers research and development tax credits, and tax deductions to foster innovation.
- Talent pool: France’s high quality of life and strong educational institutions attract top talent from across all of Europe.
- Support for innovation: France introduced several initiatives to promote crypto and tech innovation, including France Digitale, the French Federation Of Blockchain Professionals, and the French Tech Visa program.
- Clear regulations: France introduced crypto regulations even before the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA) came into power.
In contrast, the US, Canada, the UK, and many EU countries still have relatively unclear policies. Namely, the US ‘regulatory enforcement’ approach, where laws are created on a whim, makes crypto businesses wary and impedes progress.
NFP Proposes Major Crypto Tax Overhaul
The French elections, which concluded on July 7, showed increased support for the New Popular Front (NFP) coalition. The NFP has since proposed significant revisions to France’s tax system, including crypto taxation.
If NFP’s proposal comes into power, capital gains from the sale of cryptocurrency would be subject to higher rates. Currently, capital gains are taxed at 0%–45% but could go up to 90% under the new law.
Additionally, NFP proposes to introduce an exit tax, making investors pay tax on unrealized asset gains should they decide to leave France.
On a good note, NFP doesn’t hold a majority in the French Parliament, so it can’t pass bills decisively.
Beyond low tax rates, crypto businesses seek regulatory certainty and support for innovation. France still excels in these two aspects, but the potential tax policy changes could make industry players reconsider their decision to stay.
France must assess the long-term implications of the NFP’s bill if it wants to retain its position as the EU’s leading crypto hub.
References
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article do not constitute financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research and determine their own risk tolerance before making any financial decisions. Cryptocurrency is a highly volatile, high-risk asset class.
