A Complete Guide to Understanding French Taxes: Everything You Need to Know

A Complete Guide to Understanding French Taxes: Everything You Need to Know

By Michael Thornton

March 24, 2025 at 02:00 PM

France's tax system consists of two main categories: direct and indirect taxes. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of what you need to know about taxation in France.

Direct Taxes

Income Tax:

  • Applies to all tax residents with earned income
  • Deducted directly from wages since 2019
  • Progressive rates from 0% to 45%
  • Minimum taxable income: €10,085 (as of 2020)
  • Average tax amount: €4,529

Real Estate Wealth Tax (IFI):

  • Applies to households with real estate assets over €1.3 million
  • Progressive rates from 0.5% to 1.5%
  • Some assets may qualify for exemptions

Property Tax:

  • Paid by property owners only
  • Covers both built and unbuilt properties
  • Rate based on cadastral value
  • Varies by municipality
  • Includes household waste collection tax

Residence Tax:

  • Paid by property occupants as of January 1st
  • Applies to primary and secondary residences
  • Being phased out by 2023 for primary residences
  • Includes TV license tax

Business Taxes:

  • Income Tax: For micro-enterprises, EIRLs, SNCs, SCPs, and EURLs
  • Corporate Income Tax:
    • Standard rate: 25% (from 2022)
    • Reduced rate: 15% for SMEs with turnover under €10 million

Nine illustrated budget planning squares

Nine illustrated budget planning squares

Indirect Taxes

VAT Rates:

  • Standard: 20% (most products and services)
  • Intermediate: 10% (restaurants, transport)
  • Reduced: 5.5% (basic necessities)
  • Super-reduced: 2.1% (press, reimbursed medicines)

Other Indirect Taxes:

  • Domestic consumption taxes on energy products (TICPE)
  • Registration fees
  • Stamp duty
  • Customs duty

Key Tax Deadlines:

  • Q2: Online income tax returns (May/June)
  • Q3: Income tax notices (July/August), wealth tax payment (September)
  • Q4: Property tax (October), residence tax (November)

Hand holds N26 debit card

Hand holds N26 debit card

Woman typing on laptop

Woman typing on laptop

Woman filing French tax return online

Woman filing French tax return online

Man typing on laptop outdoors

Man typing on laptop outdoors

Woman typing on laptop

Woman typing on laptop

Woman filing French tax return online

Woman filing French tax return online

Man typing on laptop outdoors

Man typing on laptop outdoors

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