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

All paper versions of this year’s income tax declarations should have arrived at eligible households by yesterday (April 18), however those yet to receive one can still ask to be sent the documents or download them.

Millions of paper forms were sent out in staggered batches between the end of March and mid-April, including those with pre-filled information about income known to the French tax authorities as part of the ‘automatic declarations’.

Major changes this year mean the number of paper forms sent out has been reduced from 2024 – when 16 million were handed out.

The first such alteration is that anyone who filled out their declaration online last year would not receive a paper form, even if they did so in other years.

Paper declarations should only be completed by those who do not have a good enough internet connection, although the tax authorities have tolerated other people completing paper versions of the return. 

In most cases, the government asks people to complete the declaration online through their personal space on the French tax website (impots.gouv.fr).

Those who completed their first form last year will also not receive a paper version for 2025.

This includes young adults who made their first declaration separate from their parents, who are now also expected to complete this year’s version online. 

Previously, first declarations were made on paper, but now they can also complete this online. 

Read more: What is new as French income declarations open online

Paper versions can be requested or downloaded

If you believe you should have received a paper version but did not – or think you are unable to complete the declaration online – it is possible to ask your local tax office for a paper form. 

You can contact your local Service des impôts des particuliers (SIP) to ask for a paper form with pre-filled information on your income (if available). 

The service will arrange for the tax authorities to send you a paper version – you can find your local office online through the French tax site, or if you have one on your previous tax notice (avis).

Alternatively, you can manually download blank versions of the forms you need and compile the information yourself. 

Several of the forms you will need – the base 2042, 2042-C for supplementary income and 2042-RICI for tax credits – can be found here. 

You can also download the information notice (2041-NOT) that will explain the steps you need to take to complete your declaration.

Those who have foreign bank accounts they need to declare can also find these here. 

In all cases, ensure you are using the 2025 version of the form (for 2024 income). 

Note those making physical paper declarations must submit the information by May 20 – the earliest of this year’s deadlines. 

If you are making an online declaration for the first time, read our explainer guide on how to access your personal space on the French tax website.