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

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Woman filing French tax return online

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Woman typing on laptop

Woman filing French tax return online

Man typing on laptop outdoors