Two different social charges

What is the difference between Cotisations Sociales and Contribution Sociale Généralisée ?

I had a Plan Epargne Logement during four years which finished in 2007. I had to pay tax which the bank referred to as Cotisations Sociales. Is this the same as Contribution Sociale Généralisée, as mentioned in your guide?
If so I then will be able to complete the tax form, as indicated in your guide. Do the allowance rates given for 2007 include state retirement pension?
SB

The cotisations sociales is the generic French name for all of the three social charges, the contributions sociale généralisée' (CSG), the contributions pour la réduction de la dette sociale (CRDS) and the prélèvement sociale (PS).

With regards to your question about the allowances, there are no allowances as such, the bands of taxable income (or not for the first 5,687€ of income for you) effectively having a similar effect.

If you missed the April edition, the helpsheet is available from the site by clicking here, priced €5.