Essential Guide: Taxes and Contributions for Self-Employed in France

Essential Guide: Taxes and Contributions for Self-Employed in France

By Michael Thornton

March 18, 2025 at 06:08 PM

Self-employed individuals in France must manage several tax obligations and social contributions. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of what you need to know:

Social Security Contributions

  • Sales and related activities: 12.8% of revenue
  • Trade, commercial, and professional services: 22% of revenue
  • Declarations must be made through the Urssaf website
  • First quarter revenue declaration required after 90 days of business
  • Payment options: monthly or quarterly via direct debit, credit card, or SEPA transfer

Calendar and banking lifestyle icons

Calendar and banking lifestyle icons

Business Property Tax (CFE)

Revenue-based tax brackets:

  • Up to €10,000: €223 to €531
  • €10,001 to €32,600: €223 to €1,061
  • €32,601 to €100,000: €223 to €2,229

Contribution for Vocational Training (CFP)

Percentage of revenue based on activity type:

  • Sales activities: 0.1%
  • Private and commercial services: 0.2%
  • Trade sector: 0.3%

Chamber of Commerce Duties

Sector-specific rates:

  • Sales activities: 0.015% to CCI
  • Service providers: 0.044% to CCI
  • Trade services: 0.48% to CMA
  • Self-employed tradespeople (buy/sell): 0.22% to CMA

Hand holding blue business card

Hand holding blue business card

Tax Filing Requirements

The French tax system offers withholding tax as the default method:

  • Annual income declaration required
  • Professional expense deductions vary by activity type
  • Online declaration through official tax portal

Person writing in leather journal

Person writing in leather journal

Woman filing French tax return online

Woman filing French tax return online

Person writing in leather journal

Person writing in leather journal

Woman filing French tax return online

Woman filing French tax return online

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