Money

How quickly do homes near you go under offer in France?

68 days in Paris, 86 in Bordeaux: the average time is falling across much of the country

Can old driving fines in France be cancelled?

Each type of fine has a limit - but beware the clock resetting

Woman fined €150 for carrying a plant on Paris metro is reimbursed

The traveller says she could easily carry it without disturbing others

practical

Interest rates of French Livret A savings accounts set to fall this summer

Low inflation levels in France expected to contribute to a reduction

Electric vehicles: Best electricity tariffs named by French consumer association

The group compared two popular EV models and considered six specialist EV offers

French tax inspectors seek €1.3m over family ‘loan’ given almost 30 years ago

Family members argue the money was actually a gift. The courts were not convinced

How can I check my French pension contributions?

Find out the current and projected value pension

Fuel prices drop in France: How long will this last?

Some prices are hovering around the symbolic €1.50 threshold, but experts disagree over the trend’s staying power

Reader tips on how to save money buying food in France

The cost of living crisis has seen prices for most goods and services rise in recent years

Proposal to end 10% tax allowance for retirees in France: Key points

The idea - which has been suggested as a way to reduce the 5.8% budget deficit - is being hotly debated

Price rises for Netflix in France

The Standard (with ads) and Premium packages are increasing by €24 a year

Which French motorway toll subscription offers the best deal?

The ‘best’ packages vary depending on how often you use the road, the type of vehicle, and your destination

France considers linking health reimbursements to income to curb deficit

State auditors urge reform as government faces €15.3bn shortfall in 2024

Three ways to make bank transfers in France despite Easter pause

Traditional payments are unavailable over four-day period

Does residency of children affect French gift tax limits?

The 2025 budget updated certain rules on gifts between parents and children

Partner article: Where should Britons in France invest – and why?

A balanced portfolio can include offshore investing in a neutral jurisdiction

Partner article: What Americans need to know about filing US tax returns in France

US citizens must declare income regardless of their place of residence

Trump tariff rises: which American items will be worst hit and when?

Three rounds of escalating tariffs will impact €22 billion worth of US goods

French DIY stores reorganise as people reduce home projects

Several factors, including cost, have been blamed

French wealth tax: Six ways to reduce what you have to pay

The property valuation threshold for France's impôt sur la fortune immobilière (IFI) in 2025 is €1.3million per tax household

Trump tariffs: Americans in France hit by dollar drop

Europe has said the tariffs will cause the economy to ‘massively suffer’ as France plans retaliation

Can non-residents switch banks in France easily?

Account and card costs are on the rise generally

Many Société Générale customers to be charged additional fees from April

There is some good news for international banking and instant transfers, however

Why contactless payments under €50 are sometimes rejected in France

The requirement of entering a PIN number for some small purchase is not random

How to value a property for France's wealth tax

Here is how to check if you have to pay the impôt sur la fortune immobilière (IFI) – and how much it will be

New rules for cross-border workers in France

Unemployed workers have less leeway to refuse roles

Why are inheritance funds still in French bank account?

Notaires are responsible for closing accounts

France extends boiler replacement grants

New incentives offer larger grants for modest-income households to switch to efficient heating systems

French tax officials have extra ‘weapons’ to challenge suspicious declarations

Taxpayers may be asked for further evidence or explanations to justify expenses or credit claims

BNP Paribas plans large-scale branch closures in France

Around a third of physical branches will close amid ‘changes in the way people bank’

How France’s ‘back to school’ grant works and the amounts for 2025

The aid is means-tested and will increase by 1.7% this year

AI finds ‘soaring’ cases of fraud in French home renovation applications

More than 40,000 cases were detected in 2024, the housing agency states

Are we liable to French wealth tax after five years of residency card ownership?

The tax implications for UK retirees living in France post-Brexit

Map shows average income of households near you in France

Compare your income and standard of living with others in your area, and in the rest of the country

When must a bank reimburse a customer scam victim in France?

Reimbursement can depend on whether the customer has been ‘negligent’

What are the steps to close a French bank account if moving back to the UK?

Switching bank accounts between two French accounts is easier

Divorced French woman must pay ex-husband’s €400,000 debt: Why?

The law that links former partners financially is controversial

French income tax declarations: some good news this year

We also explain the temporary exemptions brought in for gift tax

Does using ‘trustee' in French wills raise issues?

'Trusts' have different legal recognition in France than other countries

Understand France's inheritance tax rules and nue-propriété

Question relates to situation when holder of a nue-propriété predeceases the holder of the usufruit

Chart: How does France’s inflation rate compare with that of other EU countries?

France recorded lower inflation than both UK and US at beginning of year

How to plan for your financial future in France

Effective cross-border tax and succession planning requires keeping up to date with the reforms in both countries and adapting your plans

French banks applying ‘irregular’ charges on clients, fraud office check reveals

The investigation into 100 banking establishments found breaches, failings, and alleged criminal practices

France's falling inflation and rising local taxes require particular attention

Proactive financial planning can help you weather the storm

How unemployment benefit rules are changing in France from April 1, 2025

The age that people are considered ‘senior’ is set to change, with consequences for jobseeker benefit

More French banks offer virtual payment cards: How do they work?

We look at digital card costs, payment methods, and their advantages and disadvantages

Electricity bills at risk of steep rises, claims French consumer association

Bills could rise by as much as 20% next year, the association has said

French tax allowance for many over-65s is rising

New levels will help to keep income tax bills low for those concerned

Trump tariff row: How much - and what - does the US export to France and vice versa

‘The EU has been very unfair to us,’ says US President Donald Trump

VAT on small businesses: French MPs call for no reduction in threshold

Plans to lower the threshold to €25,000 would hurt micro-entrepreneurs and ‘massively destroy activity and wealth’ say critics

List: Exchange rates for declaring foreign income in 2025 French tax declarations

All foreign income must be converted and declared in euros

Watch out for these three letters on French bank transfers - they may indicate a scam

Direct debit deductions made by scammers can go unnoticed amongst legitimate payments

Recap: Recent updates and changes in France you may have missed as of February 2025

Bank fees, healthcare costs, and various changes to public transport usage are among the most noticeable

French parliament to vote on law to offer €150 a month card for healthy food

The card would be intended to benefit consumers and farmers, and comes after successful trials of similar schemes in Bordeaux and Montpellier

Return of mega promos on soap powder and other hygiene items proposed in new French bill

Supermarkets sold items at up to 80% off before the current cap of 34% was introduced

Many cigarette prices expected to fall in France this March

The reduction in prices comes after several months of increases

Many small firms and self-employed in France soon obliged to issue digital invoices

One small business group has called for more support for the extra costs

Save money on electricity bills with simple Linky smart meter check

Checking that your meter matches your electricity consumption can help you save

Four major French banks to share cash machines to better serve rural areas

The partnership is aiming to position ATMs more strategically and usefully

Record number of driving fines in France confirmed in latest official report

43 million fines for driving offences were recorded, a rise of 500,000 year-on-year

Why the cost of water is rising for homes across France

Factors including inflation and increased anti-pollution measures have been blamed

Tips to save money when hiring a car in France

From comparing deals to private swaps, and checking for extra costs and insurance, here is how

Must neo-bank ‘pots’ of non-euro currencies be declared to French tax authorities?

Foreign accounts need to be declared on annual income tax declaration

Millions of taxpayers in France will soon need to supply extra information

Returns made this spring will ‘step up’ the information requested about regular at-home help

What to do if scammers try a ‘money mule’ trick on your French bank account

Scammers send you money ‘by mistake’ and become increasingly threatening if you do not return it

This French state-regulated savings account pays 3.5% (tax-free) in 2025

The Livret d’Epargne Populaire is reserved for people on modest incomes

French budget is forced through parliament: how could it impact your finances

Numerous tax increases have been included

Is it ever OK to ask your colleagues what they earn in France?

Has a shift in attitudes lead more French employees to openly discussing their earnings?

What to consider if you lend money to family members in France

Having recourse to legal protection can be useful even when dealing with those close to you

Why are gas tariffs so high in France and will this last?

One householder has reported an annual gas bill rise of €650

Is it right time to renegotiate mortgage on French home?

Falling interest rates prompt many homeowners to consider new deals

Tips for electric car drivers on where to charge in France for least cost

From using an app to getting the best deal at home - here is how to do it

Six changes in France in February 2025

Motorway toll and electricity prices are among items that are updating

Why employees in France are likely to receive less money in January

Three changes are expected to make a dent in the usual level of net pay

More divorcees are being discharged from ex-partner’s debts in France

Under previous legislation, individuals were more often liable for their ex-partner’s debts and tax fraud