-
Explainer: who pays France’s CFE business tax and what exemptions?
We look at the rules around this tax, which also applies to self-employed workers
-
Will my children’s university expenses be liable to French gift tax?
Children may still be 'attached' to their parent's residence for tax purposes whilst at university
-
What you can challenge on a French taxe d’habitation bill - and how to do it
Over €700 million was erroneously collected for the property tax last year
Second home owners: Can I obtain property tax rebate?
Your question answered: can I obtain property tax rebate as could not visit?
Question
Can I get a rebate on my taxe foncière/taxe d’habitation for my second home for the three months I could not come due to travel restrictions imposed in France?
Moving forward from Covid-19: info on tourism, masks & more
Answer
You may think this would be fair as, practically speaking, it was impossible to visit during the confinement due to restricted travel options plus strict rules. From March 17 to May 11 it was necessary, if travelling within France, to have a form detailing a limited number of reasons to be outside, such as food shopping – but this did not include visiting a second home. Then, from April 8 to June 15, all arrivals from abroad needed an international form showing one of a very limited number of reasons for visiting and again a visit to a second home was not a viable reason for a trip.
France leads the way with Covid-19 vaccine trials
However, France has not announced any specific right to reductions or reimbursements of local property taxes on second homes related to this. The main avenue remaining to you would be to request a lowering of the bill that will be due this autumn (or partial reimbursement if you have been paying in instalments) at the discretion of the tax office, called une remise gracieuse.
You could mention the circumstance of not being able to visit, but you should normally also demonstrate that you have financial difficulty in paying the tax. A non-obligatory form about your financial circumstances can be sent as supporting evidence with such a request.
Find more questions and answers on owning a second home in France in our specialised helpguide