Practical money

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

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

practical

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

2025 French income tax declarations open April 9, 2026

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

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

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

What changes for residents in France in March 2026

Major changes for drivers, hospital patients, and property owners

Map: How does France’s inflation compare to Europe’s in 2026?

EU finally reaches 2% target

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

More than a million people in France hit by bank account data breach

Account holders advised to check direct debits after cybertattack on national bank account register

Many French supermarket loyalty card points expire soon – see dates here

Most points disappear between December and March

How to plan your finances for the year ahead in France

Finding a long-term strategy that safeguards your security through retirement

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

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

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

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

France’s key tax deadlines for December

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

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

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

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

‘Death tax’ bank fees now capped in France

Certain cases exempt from charges for closing a deceased individual’s account

What is considered a ‘modest income’ in France?

12.6% of people were in this category in 2021, according to recent research

Assurance vie beneficiary clauses: clear wording is everything

Increasing cases where heirs are left frustrated due to problems with this detail

Can I take my small pot pension from the UK early while living in France?

The UK has specific rules relating to pensions worth no more than €10,000

Rules around bank overdrafts to be tightened in France

It will be more challenging for new account holders to obtain large overdrafts

Millions in France to see two tax debits from bank account today

One payment relates to property tax and the other to income tax

What are the proposed changes to child allowance rules in France?

Over two million families could see a change to their allocations familiales if measure is approved

Brittany island’s only ATM shuts, limiting cash access for residents

Thousands of cashpoints have closed in recent years across France

Receive French tax credits? If so it is good to update your information

Annual change can disrupt split-payment system used by authorities

What to do with your low denomination euro coins in France

Less than 50% of payments in 2024 were made in cash

Navigating French gift tax – a simple guide for residents - Partner article

Frequent questions answered on this sometimes complex topic

What are the regulations on trusts in France? - Partner article

Authorities must be kept informed on a variety of important details or serious penalties can ensue

Do you need to declare a UK inheritance in France? - Partner article

A tax resident in France is 'technically' required to - regardless of where the deceased lived

Budget could cut tax reduction for parents of secondary school children in France

Proponents propose a current tax break should instead be channelled into grants

What is the average amount inherited in France?

Socialist senator wants to increase tax on inheritance, claiming only minority would be impacted

Partner article: How procrastination can hurt your wealth in France

The costs of waiting can be high if certain details are ignored – and a little planning can go a long way

How to ensure your French bank card works abroad

High levels of international fraud mean many banks block international payments by default

Is it possible for early-retiree to open French retirement savings account?

Account is good for inheritance purposes

What to do if you have a damaged banknote in France

Your bank will be able to provide information and assistance

Which UK banks allow residents in France to open or keep an account?

Some banks have been willing to keep on long-standing customers who have moved to France

Why taxpayers in France may no longer be able to pay by cheque

Plans to phase out payment method is being considered

Could the French state soon access all financial data of benefit recipients?

The plan is part of tough new measures proposed to tackle social security fraud

Partner article: Now is the time to look globally and diversify investments in France

The uncertain global economy means that strategy is more important than ever

Can you cancel a joint loan in France after separation from partner?

There are several issues to consider

Property exchanges: How to save thousands on French property sale taxes

Swapping your property rather than selling it can result in lower notaire fees

Our French bank has asked about patrimoine - what does this mean?

Banks will often ask routine questions to gather information about their customer's finances

Online French bank closes with accounts still open: here is how to reclaim funds

Ma French Bank attracted around 700,000 customers in the six years it was active

What is the new ‘shimming’ bank card scam in France and how to protect yourself?

Scam is incredibly difficult to detect, but victims are refunded

How you can access French airport lounges at discounted rates

Bank accounts and loyalty schemes can open doors while you are waiting for your flight

What should I do with my old mobile phone in France?

Phones should not be discarded in your domestic household bin

Graph: See France’s historic debt levels

France’s debt to GDP ratio is third-highest in Europe

Is money left to animal charity subject to the 60% tax rate in France?

Not all charities can inherit donations in a will tax-free

Partner article: What double tax treaty on inheritance means for Britons in France

One issue affecting UK nationals living in France is determining whether they are impacted by UK inheritance tax, French succession tax, or both

It will soon be much easier to withdraw cash in shops in France

Changes to the current service are intended to open it to anyone with a French bank card