THE SHORT ANSWER
Identify first, compare net bids second, choose the tax route only with evidence
Before selling gold in France, inventory the exact items, preserve acquisition records, obtain written same-condition bids, ask how testing and settlement work, and model tax separately. The price-based flat route is 11% plus 0.5% CRDS. An alternative capital-gain election can exist, but only when the statutory evidence conditions are met.
SALE WORKFLOW
Protect the product, evidence and settlement trail
Inventory. Record form, maker or mint, issue, weight, fineness, quantity and condition.
Separate categories. Bullion, jewellery, scrap and collector coins need different bidders and tax classification.
Gather acquisition proof. Invoice, inheritance, gift and custody records can determine whether the election is available.
Compare written bids. Match timestamp, condition, assay assumptions, fees and settlement timing.
Confirm tax handling. Ask who is liable, which form applies and what evidence the intermediary requires.
Control delivery. Use documented handover or insured shipping and preserve tracking.
Reconcile proceeds. Match final weight, deductions, tax and bank settlement to the contract.
TWO TAX BASES
The flat route taxes price; the election taxes documented gain
Do not choose from tax amounts alone. Confirm eligibility, residence, professional-versus-private status, transaction location, intermediary responsibility and current rates.
BID QUALITY
A high headline bid can become a low settlement
Ask whether the quote is fixed or indicative, whether assay is destructive, how stones or non-gold components are deducted, whether sealed bullion is opened, and when title transfers. For coins, separate contained-gold bid from collector premium. Photograph items before handover and require a receipt identifying what was delivered.
Use the gold sale proceeds calculator for commercial deductions and the France tax worksheet for the statutory price-based amount and evidence-gated comparison.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Official law and administration pages, not dealer summaries
- EU VAT Directive, Articles 344–356 for the investment-gold definition, exemption and recordkeeping framework.
- French General Tax Code, Articles 150 VI–VM for the precious-metals transfer-tax scope, liability, rate and election.
- BOFiP guidance on the flat precious-objects tax for the 11% precious-metals rate and 0.5% CRDS.
- BOFiP guidance on the capital-gain election for proof conditions and the alternative route.
- CGI Article 150 VC for the 5% allowance for each completed holding year after the second.
- Form 2091-SD and Form 2092-SD for the administration's declaration routes.
Reviewed August 2, 2026. This material describes a general legal framework; residence, business activity, product classification, transaction location and current forms can change the result.
FAQ
Selling gold in France
What is the French flat tax on precious-metals sales?
The official framework uses 11% of sale price for precious metals plus 0.5% CRDS, producing a 11.5% price-based amount before transaction-specific exceptions or responsibilities.
Can I choose capital-gain taxation instead?
Article 150 VL allows an election when the seller can prove acquisition date and price or establish holding beyond the specified long period. The evidence and current personal treatment must be checked before relying on it.
How does the holding allowance work?
Article 150 VC reduces movable-property gain by 5% for each completed holding year after the second, reaching full reduction after twenty-two completed years.
Who files the French precious-metals tax form?
Responsibility can depend on whether a French intermediary or VAT-registered buyer participates. Confirm the applicable Form 2091 or 2092 route for the actual transaction.