Money

April and June tax deadlines for Americans living in France

Many citizens are exempt from US-based 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

practical

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

French government drops controversial VAT reforms for self-employed workers

Proposals will not be included in future budget discussions and current levels will remain in place

Six financial checks that every expat in France should do each January

A small amount of organisation now can save considerable stress later

French officials publish reminder on when gifts require formal declaration

New online system will be in place from January 2026

Major IT failure hits French banks and La Poste

Personal online spaces and apps have been down since 6am

France’s Christmas bonus: who receives it, and how much is it in 2025?

Around two million households are eligible for one-off ‘prime de Noël’ payment

Can adult children be held responsible for the debts of their parents in France?

If the mother or father has died the situation can be complex

Why your home insurance in France is likely to increase

Climate change-related claims cost more than €5 billion last year

Buyer must compensate sellers after trying to change bid for French apartment

Court orders the buyer to pay compensation to sellers

How long does it take to open a French bank account?

Opening a French bank account is quicker than you think

High-income top-up tax deadline for French households is December 15

Wealthy households must make advance payment before final amounts calculated via spring tax return

French home energy bills to rise in 2026

Both household electricity and gas bills will increase

France’s key tax deadlines for December

Second-home owners must pay their taxe d’habitation this month

France ranks second in EU for gender equality

The index tracks key areas to ‘compare how inequalities affect our lives’

Reduce temperature of French home by one degree to save money and even win gifts

One of several ways to reduce electricity usage – and bills – this winter

What level of wealth is needed to be considered rich in France?

Opinions differ over whether calculations should refer to income only, or total wealth

French minimum wage: experts advise annual update for 2026 remain tied to inflation rate

1.4% rise expected to outstrip household cost increase – how does it compare to other countries?

Many French bank transfers delayed for four days over Christmas

European-wide closure of systems mean payments will not go through until December 28 at the earliest

Last few days remaining to modify 2025 tax declaration online in France

December 3 closing date for online correction service

Is it easy to switch bank accounts in France?

Certain savings accounts cannot be moved between banks

UK 2025 Autumn Budget: limit on state pension contributions to impact Britons in France

Britons abroad will need to have lived or worked in UK for 10 years and be limited to more expensive ‘class 3’ contributions

What are the rules on paying in cash in France?

There are limits and exceptions depending on your tax status and the kind of transaction

Save money on electricity in France with group purchase deal

Two-year fixed-rate offer available until December 20

New online declarations for taxable gifts in France: what changes?

Dedicated website will replace paper declarations and those made via the tax site

Crédit Agricole customers in France urged to check accounts after payment issues

Some scheduled payments did not leave customer accounts

Year-end financial planning in France: key considerations for December

Advice on taking stock of your financial position and thinking about any last-minute actions

My French pensions never go up. How can I check if they are correct?

Increases will not be more than the average rise in salaries

Graph: French inflation levels among lowest in Europe

Annual inflation of 0.8% is far below Germany (2.3%) and UK (3.6%)

Online tool reveals how your salary measures up in France

Are you well paid or not compared to everyone else? A new tool can tell you

Tips to avoid financial scams in France

From fake bank advisors to ‘too good to be true’ offers, this is how to avoid getting caught out

Tips on how to save money on train trips in France

Record passengers and fewer trains mean finding the best rates is more of a challenge