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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
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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
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More drivers to pay higher pollution taxes on new car registrations in France
The thresholds for the ‘malus’ on CO² emissions are set to catch more vehicles over the next three years
Local taxes on second homes
Reader's query on local taxes on second homes.

We have owned our house in France, which is a second home, since 2011. I have read should have notified the tax office it is a second home for purposes of the local taxes. We were not aware this made a difference. Does it mean that we have paid too much tax? D.L
No, but it does mean if they consider it to be your primary residence the tax office will be expecting an annual income tax declaration and, not having had one, will at some point probably ask for one.
In fact in certain urban areas with housing pressures, a second home is charged up to 20% more in taxe d’habitation, and reductions and exemptions that may apply to the local property taxes due to factors like age, disability, income etc.. mostly do not apply to second homes. The tax office therefore needs to know if it is your main residence or not. In practice the notaire usually notifies them but, as they sometimes fail to, it is best to do it anyway.
Reader's query answered by Hugh MacDonald
If you have a money query send it to news@connexionfrance.com We select questions for answer every edition
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