This archived article examines the accounting and tax questions raised by non-fungible tokens. It preserves the subject as part of the firm's published history. The earlier rate tables and account-number suggestions should not be used as universal instructions for a current transaction.
Identify the rights represented by the token
An NFT is distinguishable from other tokens within its technical system. That uniqueness does not automatically establish ownership of a work, intellectual-property rights or an enforceable claim over a physical asset.
Review the issuer, contract, licence and transfer terms. A blockchain history can help trace token movements without proving every legal claim about the underlying content. The original assertion that an NFT was irrefutable proof of ownership was too broad.
Marketplaces and counterparties
The original discussion mentioned OpenSea and Blur as examples of marketplaces. A marketplace interface can facilitate exchange while leaving questions about the seller, purchaser, rights and tax location.
For a business selling tokens, record what is supplied and to whom. The absence of a customer's name in a wallet interface does not automatically remove invoicing or VAT obligations. Nor does the NFT label alone determine a VAT rate.
Accounting depends on purpose and substance
A company might acquire a token for use in its activity, for resale or as part of another arrangement. Identify the nature of the asset and the relevant recognition criteria before choosing an account.
The historical article presented possible intangible-asset, investment and inventory approaches. These were classification questions, not interchangeable options selected according to preference. Holding an NFT for a long time does not by itself establish every condition for fixed-asset treatment.
Year-end measurement
Reconcile the token identifier, wallet, ownership evidence and any restrictions. A marketplace's advertised floor price may not represent an executable price for the company's particular token.
Depreciation, impairment and changes in market value are different concepts. Their treatment depends on classification and the applicable standards. A unique token should not be assigned a generic FIFO rule without considering whether specific identification is required.
The ANC has published updated crypto-asset rules. Check their scope and application to the accounting period rather than copying an old numerical account scheme. Official ANC regulations.
Individual taxation: the historical alternatives have evolved
The original article discussed possible treatment as digital assets, art or movable property. It would be misleading to present the associated old rates as a menu that the taxpayer can freely choose.
Article 91 of the French law of 25 June 2026 provides a specific rule for certain unique, non-fungible crypto-assets, subject to business-income provisions: treatment follows the property or rights represented. The relevant disposal provisions apply from 1 January 2026. The token's legal substance therefore remains central. Official law, Article 91.
A transaction involving payment in another crypto-asset may also require analysis of that payment leg. The purchaser's and seller's situations, professional status and applicable year need to be considered separately.
Prepare the evidence before accounting
- Token contract and identifier, network and wallet.
- Issuer and counterparty information.
- Licence, underlying rights and restrictions.
- Purchase or sale documents, fees and payment records.
- Business purpose and valuation method.
Where classification remains uncertain, coordinate accounting and legal analysis. A tax ruling request can be considered where appropriate; it is not a substitute for establishing the facts.