DAC8 Reporting in France: Practical Guide

France has been at the forefront of regulating digital assets in Europe, having introduced its own crypto-asset registration framework (PSAN) before the broader EU regulations. The DAC8 directive brings standardised crypto-asset reporting across the EU, and France's Direction generale des finances publiques (DGFiP) is expected to play a central role in implementation. This guide covers practical aspects of DAC8 reporting for entities operating in France.

National Authority

The Direction generale des finances publiques (DGFiP) is the primary tax authority in France responsible for administering tax obligations, including international information exchange. The DGFiP, operating under the Ministry of the Economy and Finance, is expected to be the competent authority for receiving DAC8 reports. France has an established track record with CRS and FATCA reporting, which may serve as the foundation for DAC8 implementation.

Submission Requirements

DAC8 reports in France are expected to be submitted through the DGFiP's electronic filing systems. France has invested heavily in digital tax administration, and DAC8 submissions may be integrated into existing platforms.

• Format: Reports should comply with the OECD CARF XML schema as mandated by DAC8. The DGFiP may publish supplementary technical specifications.
• Language: Official submissions to French tax authorities are typically required in French. Data fields following international standards (such as ISO country codes) may be accepted in their standard format.
• Electronic filing: France is likely to use its established e-filing infrastructure. The specific portal or transmission method for DAC8 is to be confirmed by the DGFiP.
• Registration: Reporting entities may need to register specifically for DAC8 reporting purposes with the DGFiP, potentially through the existing professional tax account (espace professionnel).

Transposition Status

France must transpose the DAC8 directive into national law by December 31, 2025. The French government typically implements EU tax directives through legislative provisions in the Code general des impots (CGI) or through decrees. Given France's proactive stance on crypto regulation, the transposition process may proceed efficiently, though reporting entities should monitor official sources for confirmation.

Local Variations

France may introduce requirements that go beyond the minimum DAC8 standards:

• Existing PSAN framework: France already requires crypto-asset service providers to register as Prestataires de Services sur Actifs Numeriques (PSAN) with the Autorite des marches financiers (AMF). DAC8 obligations may be coordinated with this existing framework, transitioning to MiCA licensing.
• Domestic reporting obligations: French residents are already required to declare foreign crypto-asset accounts (Form 3916-bis). DAC8 data may be cross-referenced with these individual declarations.
• Enhanced due diligence: France may require additional identity verification steps beyond the minimum DAC8 requirements, consistent with its strong anti-money laundering framework.
• Penalties: France typically imposes penalties for non-compliance with tax reporting obligations. Specific DAC8 penalty provisions should be confirmed in the transposing legislation.

Key Dates

• Transposition deadline: December 31, 2025 (directive must be incorporated into French law)
• Data collection begins: January 1, 2026 (entities should begin collecting reportable information)
• First reporting period: Calendar year 2026
• First reports due: 2027 (exact date to be confirmed by the DGFiP; may follow existing exchange of information timelines)

Practical Tips

• Leverage existing compliance infrastructure: If your entity already files CRS reports in France, consider building DAC8 processes on the same foundation.
• Monitor the Journal Officiel: Official transposition legislation will be published in France's Journal Officiel. Watch for relevant decrees and ministerial orders.
• Coordinate PSAN/MiCA and DAC8 obligations: Ensure that your regulatory compliance under MiCA and your tax reporting under DAC8 are aligned and consistent.
• Prepare French-language documentation: Given the language requirements, ensure your reporting systems can produce outputs that meet French-language standards where required.
• Engage with professional bodies: French industry associations and professional tax bodies may issue guidance on DAC8 compliance that can supplement official DGFiP communications.
• Maintain records for six years minimum: French tax authorities may audit reporting for several years. Retain comprehensive records of all DAC8 submissions and supporting documentation.

Important Notice

This guide provides general information about DAC8 reporting in France. Requirements may change as the directive is transposed into national law. The information presented here should not be considered definitive legal or tax advice. Always consult the Direction generale des finances publiques (DGFiP) and the Ministry of the Economy and Finance for the latest official requirements. For specific compliance questions, seek advice from qualified French tax and legal professionals.