Practical money

Money, inheritance, tax, pensions: What's new in France in 2025

European Commission set to decide on French law affecting UK and US wills, potentially altering inheritance plans

Bitcoin crossed €100k – how are cryptocurrency gains taxed in France?

New European regulations on cryptocurrency come into effect this month

Deadline to apply to 2024 French energy aid could be extended – who is eligible and how to apply

Aid can be up to €277 and more than a million households have yet to claim

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Fines levied for failure to declare bank accounts held out of France

Hefty fines can be issued for each account undeclared to tax authorities

Confirmed: France’s minimum wage will not automatically rise on January 1

Recent increase placed ‘Smic’ above expected inflation levels at the start of the new year

Rise in number of French businesses failing

It means 44,000 jobs will be lost by end of year. We look at what help is available for small business owners

Rules relaxed for French salary-savings scheme

Changes mean workers will be able to get hold of funds in more circumstances

Can France’s prime d’activité benefit boost income of self-employed?

New ‘help’ service also promises assistance to those with low means

Inheritance alternatives for non-blood relatives in France

Robert Kent of Kentingtons explains the various options alongside traditional inheritance

France’s 2024 Christmas bonus: who is eligible and how much is it?

The annual one-off payment for people on income support benefits falls on December 13

Are old euro banknotes still valid in France?

A new series intended to be harder to counterfeit began circulating in 2013

What would it mean for France if the euro is weaker than the US dollar?

The exchange rate is at levels not seen since 2022 since the re-election of Donald Trump

Taxes, forced heirship and property ownership: Understanding French succession law

Rob Kay, a senior partner at Blevins Franks financial advice group, looks at estate planning

France's 'Livret A' savings rate set to drop

With a predicted decrease to 2.6%, experts question the viability of France's favourite tax-free savings account

What is ‘TIN’ number French bank is requesting?

It is related to taxation, and not social security

ATM and parking scam cost British driver €1,000 in south-east France

She was approached by a 'helpful' young man who used a distraction technique to steal her card

Explained: 2024 inheritance tax for family members in France

Any bill also depends on the amount left and the nature of the assets

French banks begin to use Wero - the EU rival to Apple Pay

The new payment system is launching for clients at some French banks in October

What to do if you cannot pay a tax bill in France

Options for an extension, or a full rebate, exist

Is a partial French pension available for working some years in the country?

Pension amounts depend on criteria including how long you worked in France, and your salary

Feedback: Americans compare cost of living in US to prices in France

The number of US citizens moving to France has tripled since the pandemic

French inheritance tax: current rules and what reforms are proposed

France’s Cour des comptes says a tightening of the financial tools used by some for tax reduction alongside a lowering of rates could create a more balanced system

Visualise: Data on workers’ sick-leave days in France

Sick-leave is costing more and more each year, with authorities keen to reduce strain on healthcare budget

Should you reinvest your pension fund in France?

Rob Kay, Senior Partner at Blevins Franks, reviews savings and Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pensions Schemes (QROPS)

Why French tax office may debit up to €300 from your bank account on Thursday

Any payments due can be checked on the French tax site

Is French Livret A account interest taxable in UK?

We review the tax obligation in the UK for interest earned from French 'tax-free' accounts

Boost for savers as new savings ‘account gatherer’ due to launch in France

European Central Bank ruling means new financial offering will be launched in September

GRAPH: How does France’s inflation rate compare to other eurozone countries?

Inflation rates of nations that use the currency vary from 0.8% to 4.3%

Consider the tax implications of making a gift in France

Robert Kent of Kentingtons explains the rules around gift tax in France

Is it possible to apply for a cap on my French property tax bill?

Some property owners can limit how much they pay if they have exceptionally low income

Do French companies accept payments from UK bank accounts

Despite Brexit, UK banks remain part of the Sepa (Single Euro Payments Area) agreement

How to change bank account in France - and points to consider

A 2017 law change means your bank will cover lion's share of work, if you ask them to

Capital gains tax when selling property in France

Rob Kay, a senior partner at Blevins Franks financial advice group, reviews this aspact of taxation

France is worst country in Europe for bank card fraud: how to protect yourself

More than €630 million was fraudulently taken in first half of 2024 from EU bank cards

What is ‘exit tax’ that France's PM candidate wants to bring back?

Who would be affected by the proposal from Lucie Castets of the left-wing Nouveau Front Populaire?

Navigating inheritance tax as a Briton in France

Rob Kay, Senior Partner at Blevins Franks, reviews the financial options for UK nationals

Explained: What to check on 2024 French tax statements

This document is also often required for administrative processes

LIST: Key dates in 2024 for France’s property owner’s tax

Deadlines for the taxe foncière depend on payment method

France plans major overhaul of payslips

The Finance Minister proposes to simplify the complex French payslip system, reducing it from 55 to 15 lines to aid clarity and understanding.

How do cross-border capital gains charges work for French residents?

Christopher Davenport of Kentingtons financial firm looks at capital gains obligations for those living in France but selling property abroad

Nine financial points to consider when retiring in France

Rob Kay, regional director at Blevins Franks, offers advice on tax, pensions and estate planning

Is tax due on a gift in a UK will to French family?

Your principal country of residence is relevant when determining any tax due

Do French gift laws limit my US annual allowance?

Rules are based on France's taxation treaties

Are you among millions to get a French tax refund today?

Or will you receive a demand to pay more tax? We explain

How to plan your long-term finances when moving to France

Christopher Davenport of Kentingtons financial firm explores the complexities of tax and investment changes when moving countries

What is the ‘assurance-vie’ our French bank is offering us?

An assurance vie is available to both French and non-French nationals

How does France determine ‘poverty’? What the latest figures show

Call for benefits to be increased as campaigners say politicians don’t have the desire to combat poverty

How can I cash a US bank cheque in France?

In some cases payment cannot be made directly to an account so a cheque is issued

Fraudsters target bank cards in your pocket in new scam in France

Contactless payments can be taken without the need for the card to leave a pocket

Key tax dates for individuals in France in July 2024 explained

Refunds for people who have overpaid tax last year are to be sent out soon

Why do French banks ask so many questions?

French banks may regularly ask you for up-to-date information

What fine for late French income tax declaration and how to limit it

You must act fast if you have not declared your 2023 revenue

How to finance a septic tank in France

The limited options include several types of loans and some discounts

Briton's house sale money blocked when French bank transfer fails

Heightened security and a loss of personal contact meant his €280,000 savings were stuck in France

Should property buyers take out ‘forced resale’ insurance in France?

Buyers can be insured against property price falls – but only under certain conditions

French bank accounts: what foreigners need to know

Robert Kent of Kentingtons explains that you must pay for most services - even for basic ones

What is the net and gross minimum wage in France in 2024?

The minimum wage is updated at least once per year

What notaire fees are due on an inheritance in France?

Most charges are regulated by the state but not all. Several factors can affect the amount charged

When will French tax statements be sent to people in 2024?

You will receive your avis online or on paper depending on how you declared

Income tax declaration deadlines loom in France: how to get help

In French or English, by telephone, online or in person

How does income tax season in France differ to other countries?

Rob Kay, Senior Partner at Blevins Franks, helps you navigate your way through tax return season

Viager in France and releasing capital from a French property

People who sell en viager can stay living in their home and receive a lump sum along with a monthly sum for life

How do French financial products compare to those in UK and US?

Christopher Davenport of Kentingtons financial firm gives an overview of investment products in France

CA Britline: is it a good bank for Britons with homes in France?

Many second-home owners need new bank accounts due to Brexit complications

EXPLAINED: France’s property wealth tax 2024

Who pays impôt sur la fortune immobilière, how much and when

How much should you pay for house insurance where you live in France?

We look at average prices around the regions of France and the main cities

French banking rules: when can officials freeze your account?

The authorities’ right to take money from individuals surprises many newcomers

Rules to know if someone lives with you for free in France

Who can be included in this definition, what are the tax implications, and how can you provide proof of address?

How to get free help with your tax declaration in France

Despite millions being eligible for the déclaration automatique or automatic declaration the process can still be challenging

Change for foreign residents and eligibility to family benefit in France

People will only be able to obtain family benefits if they spend majority of the year in the country

What is average salary in France? How does it compare with US or UK?

We also look at the average disposable income per capita in OECD countries

MAP: Where do diners tip the most in France - and how much is usual?

It is more widespread in some regions, but nowhere is it as common as in America

Health insurance in France: what you should expect to pay per age

Region and gender also plays a part in the total cost of top-ups. Policies are forecast to rise significantly this year

Millions to get email from French tax officials: be sure to read it

If the information contained is wrong and you do not take action you could be fined

Key financial steps to take after the death of family member in France

Unlocking bank accounts, cancelling contracts, we look what you need to do in the months following the death