Are French income tax declaration forms available in English?

Reader Question: Can you get English versions of the French income tax forms? It is our first time completing them and it would be much easier for us to do it in English.

It is understandable that it would be simpler in English for those whose who do not read French fluently, and the tax authorities do provide information in English occasionally. 

For example, the online version of the Biens Immobiliers declaration has a button for an English-language translation.

The French tax website (www.impots.gouv.fr) also has an English language option, which directs to some pages with key information about tax declarations into English. 

However, actual tax forms themselves remain available only in French, and can only be completed in French. 

This applies to both the online and physical version of the forms.

Some tax advisers suggest using online translation tools, which are included in many internet browsers (ie. to translate the page you are looking at), though bear in mind these may not provide perfect translations. 

If you are struggling to understand the meaning of a particular box description or line of instructions you can also copy and paste text onto translation websites such as deepl.com. 

Where you can find help

Although you cannot complete tax forms in English, there are several places to look for assistance. 

If you are a non-resident declaring French-assessble income (such as from renting out a property) the non-residents’ tax office helpline often has English-speaking helpline staff: +33 1 72 95 20 42. 

There is also the standard French tax office helpline on 0 809 401 401 if you live in France (although the service will be in French).

Alternatively, if you are only having difficulty with one small section or query, you can message the authorities using the ‘Messagerie sécurisée’ function on your personal space of the French tax site, though they are not guaranteed to be able to respond to messages in English.

It is also possible to make an in-person appointment at your local tax office and you could ask if an English-speaker is available. If not, it may be best to bring someone along who can translate for you. 

French tax experts open up free helplines in the run up to the declaration deadlines for returns and may also be able to help. 

The Connexion also has an in-depth guide to completing the annual income tax declaration, available here.

Read more: Paper tax forms reduced in France as more switch to online declarations