A Ministry of Economy press release has sparked panic on social media, announcing mandatory online declarations of donations from 2026. Many users fear having to report Christmas gifts and pocket money. In fact, this measure introduces no new tax obligations.
On December 1, 2025, the Ministry of Economy issued a press release stating that, from January 1, 2026, declarations of manual donations and sums of money must be made online. This sparked strong reactions on social media. One user asked: “Am I dreaming or will we have to declare Christmas and birthday gifts to the tax authorities?” Another joked: “And gifts to one's mistress, do they need declaring?” MP Éric Ciotti criticized on X: “The Macronist fiscal Big Brother will leave no square centimeter of private life to the French: pocket money, gifts… From January 1, everything must be declared to the tax authorities! We're walking on our heads!”.
The Direction générale des finances publiques (DGFiP) clarifies that this does not alter existing law. “This is not a change in law. There is no new taxation of assets. It is only the declaration method that changes,” it explains. Currently, declarations can be online or on paper, but in October 2025, over 69 percent were already digital. Those without internet access or unable to use it are exempt and can visit a tax center for a paper version.
“Presents of usage,” such as Christmas gifts or pocket money, are not subject to declaration if given for a special occasion, have a reasonable value relative to the donor's assets and income, and depend on the relationship between giver and receiver. In 2024, 167,000 donations were declared on paper and 271,000 online. Only 1.7 percent were taxed, thanks to allowances renewable every 15 years, like 100,000 euros between parents and children. This requirement aims to secure estates and prevent disputes among heirs.