Finance money

France gained an extra 35,000 millionaires in 2025, claims Swiss bank

Wealth rose despite France missing the top 10 for average and median wealth

A woman is on the phone and holds her bank card in her hand

French bank account fees increased 2.7% between 2025 and 2026

Account costs have outstripped inflation for last two years, but not across last decade

French business federation calls for tax increase on ‘wealthy’ retirees

Pensioners with a monthly income of €2,000 or above should pay more in social security contributions, said Medef leader

practical

Reminder: deadline to correct French tax return is tonight

Taxpayers can update information online until midnight June 25

French tax authorities now have more time to update incorrect second home tax bills

Deadline for officials to levy taxes missed due to calculation errors or owner omissions has been extended

Can I add my UK work years to a French pension?

Periods worked in Britain can still be taken into account by authorities

Mortgage income law change proposed in France

Repayments cannot usually exceed 35% of income at present

Are French electricity bills set to increase in August?

Increased usage charges will affect bills, but changes elsewhere may lessen impact

Screenshot of the French public finance website login page with help links and a tax payment section.

French income tax declaration: key upcoming dates

Online declarants must request paper version by June 15

New report shows how much you must earn to be considered rich in France

France’s national statistics agency (INSEE) highlights income thresholds in France

Close-up of a hand holding a British passport with gold crest on the cover.

Why living in France but investing only in the UK creates risk

It is ill-advised to keep most of your money in one country

Reportages sur la communauté des Hérons : Ici le festival des deux mains au Solilab sur l'île de Nantes.Ici l'association Moneko et sa monnais locale.photo : Marc Roger

Does your French town have its own currency?

There are over 65 of them around the country

A view of a French healthcare charges summary letter

French social charges: who pays, how much, what’s new?

One charge increased for certain types of income in 2026

French minimum wage to increase by 2.4% on June 1, 2026

It follows rise on January 1 and keeps France’s rate among highest in EU

What would happen if Visa and Mastercard stopped operating in France?

Wero system is promoted by banks, although they are less keen on proposed ‘digital euro’

What are new ‘Cash Services’ ATMs in France?

Banks are pooling resources to improve ATM accessibility and reduce costs

Income tax declarations open in France: what's new in 2026?

We look at latest rules on holiday rentals, tax credits, avis d’impôt, social charges…

Magnifying glass zooming in on bank account figures

Should I declare interest on French bank account as an American?

Tax treaties can affect what authorities must be notified of

EV charging grants rise sharply for shared buildings in France

The scheme will support at-home charging in communal car parks, which is cheaper than using public service stations

France tax season scams: taxpayers warned over new phishing emails

Fraudsters exploit declaration period to trick people filing returns

South-west France motorway to adopt barrier-free tolls

The A69 linking Castres and Toulouse will be the first motorway in Occitanie to adopt the flux libre system

Bank transfers unavailable for four days over Easter in France

Plan ahead if you are planning any secure banking transfers

April and June tax deadlines for Americans living in France

Many citizens are exempt from paying tax in the US tax but most must still declare

Readers highlight issues with UK pension life certificates sent to France

Postal problems cited as one contributing factor; some readers offer solutions

France’s inflation rises slightly but remains one of the lowest in EU

The rate is the second lowest within the eurozone. See our chart for all EU countries

French gas prices: should you switch to a fixed deal before May rise?

Bills may increase by €200 per year due to increase in global gas prices

How best to grow your capital in France in the current financial climate

Making your capital work for you in the current financial climate

Can you be forced to pay your spouse’s debts in France? What the law says

An unnamed court ruled in favour of a creditor, ordering the wife to personally meet her husband’s liabilities

Trace forgotten French bank accounts with government tool

€164 million recouped in 2025 from old accounts

Official tool lets you estimate your French tax for 2025 income

Simulator can help taxpayers check what payments may be due later in year

A view of a fibre optic cable concept to show new internet technology

Grants for fibre internet open to all in France: how they work

Help with laying new cables for the high speed connection technology is available

2025 French income tax declarations open April 9, 2026

Declaration period usually runs six to nine weeks dependent on where the declarant lives

French authorities crack down on ‘cash-in-hand’ work practices

Cases involve property owners and home workers

Image of a piggy bank next to a water tap to show the cost of water

Water bills rise by up to 40% in parts of Normandy

It follows the installation of remotely-read meters to homes around Caen in Calvados. Authorities claim previous readings were incorrect

French forced heirship law: possible solution for some

Campaigners are turning towards marital legislation as a potential avenue

Unpaid bills led to a million electricity and gas ‘cut-offs’ in France in 2025

The number of accounts affected has risen by 79% since 2019

French family benefits drop: millions of households affected

Families to lose four years of higher payments for children

What changes for residents in France in March 2026

Major changes for drivers, hospital patients, and property owners

Map: How does France’s inflation compare to Europe’s in 2026?

EU finally reaches 2% target

Can I get a UK S1 form as pensioner in France?

Anyone in the country who claims a UK state pension is typically eligible to receive an S1 form

Two French banks must reimburse clients unjustified fees

The banks have also been fined a combined €9.2 million

More than a million people in France hit by bank account data breach

Account holders advised to check direct debits after cybertattack on national bank account register

World corruption: France better than US but worse than UK

High-level public figures in France have a ‘feeling of impunity’, the ranking says

Best value 2026 Michelin French restaurants: Are there any near you?

Four regions did especially well on this year’s Bib Gourmand restaurant list

Senators examine proposal to guarantee access to cash machines in rural areas of France

Some 18.6% of French communes had access to at least one local ATM in 2024

Departure board shows flight cancellations

France tightens reimbursement rules for flight delays or cancellations

New measures include mandatory mediation and new claim procedures

Many French supermarket loyalty card points expire soon – see dates here

Most points disappear between December and March

A view of a piggybank next to a water tap to show cost of water

Why water bills in France are set to rise

Part of the bill that pays for water cleaning and treatment is set to increase

Shop donations: Pays de la Loire and Corsica are France’s most generous regions

Almost €15 million was raised in 2025 via ‘round up’ donations at checkouts

Repayable-on-death equity release loans open again to non-EU retirees

Products have recently started being offered by bank group again after it paused them in 2019

France public transport fares should double, claims report to Transport Ministry

French passenger fares currently cover less than a fifth of the total service cost

French village creates new ‘no door-to-door sales’ sticker

Authorities have also brought in heavy sanctions for unwanted sales approaches

A woman looking exasperated at her computer

Financial mistakes newcomers to France make – and how to avoid them

Many wrongly assume that the rules broadly mirror those of their home country

French bank clients hit by double debits after computer bug

Problem affects thousands across several banking chains

A view of one person holding a US $50 bill and someone else holding a €50 bill

Euro reaches strongest exchange rate against the US dollar in five years

Strong euro spurs economic debate within the eurozone and in France

French income tax band changes for 2026 confirmed

The thresholds are usually updated each year in line with inflation, and apply to spring declarations (for 2025 income)

Foreign banks contact clients in France over new rules limiting services provided to EU residents

Some Connexion readers report banks in the Channel Islands having advised them that they are reviewing possible impact

How much people near you in France are saving each year

A new study shows that where you live makes a big difference to the amount you save

How to plan your finances for the year ahead in France

Finding a long-term strategy that safeguards your security through retirement

Interest rate for Livret A savings accounts in France to drop from February 2026

Lower inflation rate causes decrease

Banking fees in France: nearly €72 a year on average for low use in 2026

Account holders have seen fees increased at levels significantly above inflation

New ‘click to pay’ options to arrive for online purchases in France

Service will save card details on devices and avoid users having to enter details each time they wish to pay online

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I have received a second-home tax bill for my main home in France - what should I do?

Ensure the tax office has the correct personal details

Anthony Powell's net-zero house, exterior

How I managed to cut the cost of energy bills at my French home

Connexion reader Anthony Powell embraced renewable solutions in years-long renovation project

Commission votes to raise French income tax bands in boost for taxpayers

Measure still faces opposition

Good news as lower electricity bills confirmed in France

The change is not a ‘revolution’ but will give some purchasing power back, minister says

2025 world economy rankings: France classed above the UK and US

France’s low inflation rate helped it beat many other nations

French tax payment due for nine million households. Will you get it?

Payouts average €600 and will soon be made directly to registered bank accounts

Interest payment dates for French tax-free savings accounts

Livret A savings accounts saw interest rates fall throughout year

French minimum wage to increase in January 2026

The ‘Smic’ will not be increased above legal minimum

A view of a jeans pocket with euro notes poking out the top

Money, taxes, pensions: What's new in France in 2026

New money-saving budget, allowances, income tax freeze and retirement age

A view of a piggybank next to a calendar to suggest dates of payment

Dates 2026: Family allowance payments and other French benefits

The payment date varies if it falls on a weekend

France’s end-of-year tips: how much to give firefighters, cleaners, and waste collectors

Informal tips known as ‘étrennes’ are widespread practice

Christmas gifts: from what sum must they be declared to French tax office

The process for declaration is moving fully online from January 2026

Senior couple looking at paperwork in front of a laptop

Why up to 200,000 households in France risk paying tax – or paying more – in 2026

Lack of a 2026 full budget has many implications