The gold tax increases in France

Selling Gold? It’s Getting More Expensive

A sudden shift for precious metal fans: Those who considered their gold stash a safe investment now need to take a closer look. The government has quietly tightened the tax screws – and in two significant ways.

🧾 What exactly has changed

The tax on selling gold has increased from 10.5% to 11.5%. This so-called flat-rate tax primarily affects private individuals who can no longer present an original invoice at the time of sale. In other words: if you have some gold bars stored in a safe and decide to sell them spontaneously, you’ll be paying more in taxes.

Example: If you sell a gold piece worth €5,000 without a receipt, you’ll now pay €575 in taxes instead of the previous €525.

📉 Capital Gains Tax: Also Going Up

Gold owners who properly documented their purchases – with date and price – are exempt from the flat-rate tax. But even they aren’t off the hook. The capital gains tax has also increased, rising from 34.5% to 36.2%.

• With receipt: 36.2% on the net profit (sale price minus purchase price).
• Without receipt: 11.5% on the total value of the gold sold.

⏳ Long-term holders are rewarded

There is good news for those holding onto their gold long-term: starting from the third year after purchase, the tax burden is reduced annually by 5%. This so-called “disposal allowance” means that your tax liability completely disappears after 22 years.

🔍 A Quick Comparison at a Glance

📌 What now? Strategy over panic

Gold owners should not ignore the new tax rules. Documentation is everything: purchase receipts, invoices, and acquisition dates can help save hundreds of euros. Those who don’t yet have a record should create one now. And anyone with a long-term mindset can look forward to the disposal allowance – making gold completely tax-free after more than two decades.

Gold remains a fascinating investment – but only for those who know the rules and navigate them wisely.