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Income Tax in France

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Tax

Millions in France will see tax authorities take funds from their accounts next week

Income tax payments are taken via direct debit

Notaires sign mounted on an ornate Parisian stone façade beside tall windows.

French notaires want to reduce taxation on family gifts

The aim is to encourage earlier transfers of wealth between generations

Tax declaration form, calculator and euro banknotes on a desk.

Is all pension pay declared ‘private’ in France?

Reader has a query about foreign retirement income

property

Hundreds of French communes impose maximum surcharge on second homes

More than 1,600 communes will levy housing shortage surcharge of up to 60%

Trending

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Many French homeowners overpaying on property tax, say lawyers

Out of 1,351 client cases they reviewed 87% were paying €260 a year on average too much

Do taxe foncière exemptions extend to second homes in France?

Principal residences are exempt from France’s main property tax under certain conditions

Owners of above-ground pools in France risk additional tax if it is left up too long

These pools can be assessed for tax in certain circumstances

France’s new e-billing rules can affect homeowners too

September deadline fast approaching for millions of businesses and self-employed traders

A view of ‘a Bitcoin’ resting on a traditional card machine

I was victim of crypto scam, but recovered my assets: will any gains be taxable in France?

A reader wonders about consequences of exchange into euros

What are the possible exemptions and reductions for France’s taxe foncière?

Exemptions exist for property owners based on several factors

Taxe foncière bills arrive for French property owners: how to check bill is correct

We also review how to claim a refund if you believe the bill is too high

Will France introduce a per-kilometre tax on electric vehicles similar to the UK's new EV tax?

The UK is preparing to charge electric car drivers according to how far they travel

France’s tax authority hit by third data breach

A cybersecurity expert explains why France is so vulnerable to cyberattacks and how it compares with the UK

France property tax: non-residents avoid social charge rise

Some experts had thought exemption applied only to residents

Americans in France: the investment traps that could cost you

Investing in France is possible, but can leave you out of pocket if done wrong

Reminder: deadline to correct French tax return is tonight

Taxpayers can update information online until midnight June 25

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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

Calculator, British pound notes, notebook and pen used for household budgeting.

UK inheritance tax changes: questions raised over impacts for Britons in France

Full implications are still being assessed by legal experts

French police warn of ‘overpaid tax’ email scam

Email claims recipients are owed money by French tax authorities

Man in suit with notepad, pen and calculator pointing at a mini house

Do I need to declare loan interest paid to me to French tax authorities?

Reader received payment back on original amount of €7,000 from friend

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

What should you do if you have missed France's tax declaration deadline?

Late declarants face financial penalties

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

TotalEnergies petrol station with vehicles refuelling at multiple pumps

French PM warned against lowering VAT on fuel

Proposal measures described as too costly by advisory body

France cuts air ticket tax on 26 regional routes

The measure follows government efforts to support underserved areas

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France 2021 inheritance law: Why wills choosing Scots law may be exempt from forced heirship

The same may also apply to wills electing law from one US state

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

A man clearing excess vegetation in a garden

Can I get a tax reduction for employing gardener at second home in France?

Rebate is available to people who employ someone to work at their home via the Cesu system

54% of French households did not pay income tax in 2025

Income tax brought in a record €95 billion last year despite most homes not paying any

UK government pensions and social charges: has French law changed?

Reader reports being told by an accountant new rules affect this income from 2025

Map: Which departments paid the most property tax in 2025?

Average increase of 2.4% but wide variation in total cost

Can we rent out second SCI home in France?

Short-term furnished rentals via the scheme can create significant tax risks

Here are the 2026 dates for French income tax payments and reimbursements

Updated tax notice in July or August will inform taxpayers of next steps

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Four tips for families making French income tax declarations

Households can benefit from a number of tax credits

Does equity release lower IFI wealth tax in France?

Reader also asks if properties rented out to someone else are exempt

How to make your money for retirement in France last as long as possible

The more years we survive, the further our savings must last to maintain our standard of living

Where to find help with important admin in France

A website and phone helpline exist to help with all kinds of complex documents and processes

Five questions about plans to raise French property tax on millions of homes

Mairies will be able to assume that homes contain basic features omitted from official information, raising taxes

A view of the tax website in France

List: French income tax declaration deadlines for 2026

Dates are based on location and declaration type

Millions of French homes face higher property tax over bathrooms and heating

Councils can levy property tax on ‘comfort features’ properties are assumed to have

Paris,,France,08,08,2022,,,Black,Mercedes,Amg,G63

What is the malus tax for cars in France?

Many vehicles face additional costs when registered for first time

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France tightens checks on small non-EU parcels, UK magazine deliveries impacted

Attempts made to avoid French tax by delivering via other EU countries

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

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 woman withdraws money from an ATM

Can the French tax office seize money from my bank account?

This can happen if you leave such bills unpaid, usually after several reminder letters

2025 French income tax declarations open April 9, 2026

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

A view of someone looking at paperwork with a calculator and house model in the foreground

French residential tax debits have not been taken - what should I do?

Many opt for monthly payments from January to October

Is there a ‘bedroom tax’ in France for additional rooms?

The surface area of rooms is used to calculate property taxes

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New tax on deliveries from outside EU: How will it affect customers?

The new charge applies to deliveries valued under €150

€1.2m Dubai case ruling shows importance of knowing French tax residency rules

Couple ordered to pay backdated taxes to France

France finally passes 2026 budget - what it means for residents

Budget has measures to help homeowners and low earners but is more punitive to business and local authorities

Am I being overcharged on savings in France?

A reader writes about income tax demands on interest

A view of an older couple looking worriedly at documents

France’s ‘solidarité fiscale’: when you are responsible for your partner’s tax

Couples who are married or in a civil partnership are jointly liable for certain taxes.

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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

Your neighbour can legally check (part of) your tax assessment in France

There are strict conditions that must be met, however

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

Measure still faces opposition

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

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 hand holding a €100 banknote

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

The process for declaration is moving fully online from January 2026

Airbnb can be seen by tax office as 'similar to a hotel' if too many services are offered to clients

Classification as 'non-professional' furnished landlord used to be a simple way to declare revenue

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

Mature woman looking at documents

UK retirees win government pension charges victory in France

Successful campaign by foreign residents should bring relief to hundreds of public sector pensioners

A view of someone being handed a wad of euro banknotes to show pay

French officials publish reminder on when gifts require formal declaration

New online system will be in place from January 2026

Small but significant change to French tax website

Login name change reflects plan for one-stop shop for public finance related payments

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Taxe foncière: how to ask for delay, reduction, or cancellation of French property tax

Requests can be made even after the payment date has passed

How to save money on your French tax bill by giving to charity this year

Gifts to good causes before January can be declared in your spring 2026 tax return

Older man looking at forms

Why am I suddenly being charged withholding tax in France?

Upcoming instalments can be viewed through personal space of French tax site

Middle aged woman and man, both wearing glasses, looking at documents

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

France’s key tax deadlines for December

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

Good news for many micro-entrepreneurs in France: plans to lower VAT threshold rejected by Senate

Vote reverses proposal to lower tax exemption thresholds for self-employed workers

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

December 3 closing date for online correction service

Is sudden high bill from new French tax office correct?

If you believe the extra demand is incorrect, a réclamation can be made

Spending time in UK on a French Brexit card: what are the tax implications?

Tax residency and right to live in France are two separate issues

A view of a model of people standing on coins to show inequality of wealth

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

MPs suggest extra tax on fast-food outlets as numbers grow in France

Potential bill amendment aims to halt rapid expansion of fast-food establishments

Is it possible to contest property tax bill from French authorities?

Taxes are based on property status at start of year