France: tax on lottery prizes

Lottery prizes are not taxed in France: a €1,000,000 Loto prize is paid in full, and it does not go on a tax return. Only what the money earns afterwards is taxed.

How the tax works

Winnings from FDJ games are not subject to income tax: FDJ pays the whole prize and it is not declared. The income the money earns once invested - interest, dividends, rents, capital gains - is taxed as usual.

Games covered: Loto, EuroMillions and the other FDJ games.

Questions

Do you pay tax on lottery winnings in France?

No. The prize is paid in full and is not declared as income. Interest, dividends and other income the money earns once invested are taxed under the normal rules.

Is anything taxed after a big win?

What the money earns, and in some cases gifts made from it. Talk to a tax adviser before investing or giving away a large prize.

Rules checked on 29.09.2026; compare other countries or see the United States calculator. Estimates, not tax advice.

Updated: