From what amount must money received in cash or by check be declared for taxes?

In principle, the tax administration does not require to know the amount of the envelope you received for the end-of-year holidays. Except in a few cases.

At the foot of the tree, Thursday, December 25, some people undoubtedly discovered an envelope, with a few notes or a check inside. Due to lack of time, lack of inspiration or fear of making a mistake, it is not uncommon to give money to loved ones at Christmas. But should this gift be declared for taxes like donations? And if yes, from what amount?

In the vast majority of cases, your ticket envelope should not be synonymous with administrative hassle or a poisoned chalice. And for good reason, “a gift is not considered a donation”explain the Public Service website. A possible declaration “does not therefore apply to small gifts made between loved ones”like the “Christmas gifts” or the “gifts given on special occasions such as a birthday, wedding or graduation”. Notes and checks received during the holidays are considered a “simple present of use” by the administration.

However, the amount received must remain “reasonable” in relation to the income and assets of the donor. The maximum amount is not set in law. But the tax authorities consider that it is “unusual” when he is “greater than 2% of the assets or 2.5% of the donor’s net annual income”, details the Public Service site. In this case, the gift must then be declared.

For example, the average annual net salary amounted to 32,791 euros in 2024 in the private sector, according to INSEE. A person with income around this range can therefore offer up to around 800 euros to a loved one for Christmas, without the latter having to declare it. If in doubt, the administration recommends consulting a tax lawyer.

If you received a large sum, note that the procedure is about to change. From January 1, the declaration of donations will be made only online, from the private space on impots.gouv, warns the Public Service platform, which details the procedure to follow.

Finally, be careful if you plan to make a transfer to your loved ones rather than giving them an envelope. Conventional bank transfers are suspended until Monday, due to the annual closure of European payment systems operated by the European Central Bank. Other services remain operational, such as the European digital payment wallet Wero, which allows you to instantly transfer a sum between individuals.