Finance money

18 new and upcoming changes in France in March 2025

Bank fees, healthcare costs, and various changes to public transport usage are among the most noticeable

French parliament to vote on law to offer €150 a month card for healthy food

The card would be intended to benefit consumers and farmers, and comes after successful trials of similar schemes in Bordeaux and Montpellier

Return of mega promos on soap powder and other hygiene items proposed in new French bill

Supermarkets sold items at up to 80% off before the current cap of 34% was introduced

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Many cigarette prices expected to fall in France this March

The reduction in prices comes after several months of increases

Many small firms and self-employed in France soon obliged to issue digital invoices

One small business group has called for more support for the extra costs

Save money on electricity bills with simple Linky smart meter check

Checking that your meter matches your electricity consumption can help you save

Four major French banks to share cash machines to better serve rural areas

The partnership is aiming to position ATMs more strategically and usefully

Record number of driving fines in France confirmed in latest official report

43 million fines for driving offences were recorded, a rise of 500,000 year-on-year

Why the cost of water is rising for homes across France

Factors including inflation and increased anti-pollution measures have been blamed

Tips to save money when hiring a car in France

From comparing deals to private swaps, and checking for extra costs and insurance, here is how

Must neo-bank ‘pots’ of non-euro currencies be declared to French tax authorities?

Foreign accounts need to be declared on annual income tax declaration

Millions of taxpayers in France will soon need to supply extra information

Returns made this spring will ‘step up’ the information requested about regular at-home help

What to do if scammers try a ‘money mule’ trick on your French bank account

Scammers send you money ‘by mistake’ and become increasingly threatening if you do not return it

This French state-regulated savings account pays 3.5% (tax-free) in 2025

The Livret d’Epargne Populaire is reserved for people on modest incomes

Why are gas tariffs so high in France and will this last?

One householder has reported an annual gas bill rise of €650

French bank set to charge clients who do not respond to request for information

Account holders will be given notice of impending charge before payment is taken

List: Industries in France at risk of price rises if Trump’s EU customs threat comes in

"The EU is very bad for us,” US President Donald Trump said

A million people in France received tax refunds after issues with new property declaration

The problem caused a €1.3 billion overpayment in property taxes with for the tax year 2023

It is now easier for people to identify a lost or forgotten bank account in France

Requests can be made directly to the tax authorities

Wealthy retirees could be taxed more under French minister’s new proposal

Levying extra taxes on the wealthiest 40% could ‘raise €500-800 million’

Graph: How France’s inflation rate compares with other EU countries

The year-on-year rate is falling - prompting a drop in interest rates

Home insurance rises depend your area of France: Where is most affected?

The cost of insurance policies is set to rise by as much as 12% in some cities

Scammers using UK phone numbers to target people in France

The calls do not actually come from the UK, but fraudsters use software to make the call appear as though it does

Ministers propose people work seven hours unpaid to clear French deficit

The measure would fund the Social security debt, ministers say, but criticism has been strong

Which grants exist in France in 2025 to help buy an electric car?

Most people are unaware of the financial aid available, a new study shows

French PM confirms ‘minimum tax’ will apply for high earners: who is impacted?

Taxes were originally set to be scrapped before last-minute U-turn

Which banks pay interest on current accounts for residents in France?

Online-only banks are leading the trend but the earning potential varies

The new tougher rules for claiming RSA low-income aid in France

Recipients of the benefit now have to draw up a ‘commitment contract’

Interest on popular ‘Livret A’ French savings accounts to drop to 2.4%

The regulated and tax-free account has not seen such a large fall in rates since 2009

Millions to receive payment from French tax service today

It relates to tax credits for certain expenses in the 2024 year

Why French bank cards are losing their printed security numbers

The new system aims to reduce fraud and simplify online shopping

State can reimburse 50% cost of a personal trainer in France: How it works

There are strict criteria to meet to ensure you can receive this

When and why are many French supermarkets phasing out shopper loyalty cards?

They have issued advice on how to avoid losing your points

Using deceased’s assets for funeral in France: How it works and new limits

The amount that an heir can take has increased by 18% this year

Significant bank fee rise in France in 2025: how to compare and tips to save

Account fees, ATM withdrawal charges, and bank card costs have all increased. How does your bank rate?

Sharp drop in prices of second-hand electric cars in France

Some models are down 20% in comparison to last year

Three questions on instant bank transfers as they become free in France

Understand the new system, its limits, and risks

Many small businesses in France to be hit with costs of electronic billing

Government scraps free platform for mandatory electronic billing, forcing firms to incur additional costs

MAP: How much can you negotiate off a property purchase in France in 2025?

Chances of a successful offer vary considerably depending on the region

Month by month: What are key tax dates in France in 2025?

Spring will see annual income tax declarations made

Buyer who changed mind on French property purchase handed €37,000 bill

The final sum owed was decided in court

Mairie offers grants for electric leaf blowers to reduce noisy gardening in south of France

Residents can receive up to 30% of total cost of tools including lawn mowers and hedge strimmers

Purchasing power in France set to improve in 2025

‘The inflationary episode [of 2021-23] is well and truly behind us’, one economic expert says

New law enables French tax authorities to monitor (some) social media activity

The measure is designed to detect signs of tax fraud

Instant money transfers to be available for free in France from this week

Warning that the changes may see an increase in attempted bank scams

French resident loses €28,000 as savings account is inexplicably shut

He tried to withdraw money to be told account had closed nine years ago

France’s most popular regulated savings account to lower its interest rate

Lower inflation levels contribute to upcoming reduction

A guide to renting a flat or house in France: 14 questions

We look at some vital questions to help new and existing tenants find their way on the French rental market

French driving documents can now be delivered via a simplified procedure

The change is designed to save public money

Instant money transfers now possible between French banks with just a phone number

‘Wero’ launched in France in October and states transfers will take only 10 seconds

Good news for Americans in France as dollar strengthens against euro

It comes ahead of Donald Trump’s second term, amid sluggish European growth predictions

Major changes to Paris public transport tickets begin this January

Simplified fares and a flat ‘tourist pass’ fee are among the new ticket options

Not yet received interest from your French savings account? This may be why

Interest on savings accounts such as the Livret A is calculated twice a month

Cost of living in France: five things that have changed

Pension payments, interest rates, and funeral costs have all seen significant changes

Which UK bank account number should be declared on French tax return?

Information can be updated during each tax return

How are pensions worked out if employment split between France and UK?

The UK and France coordinate on pensions

Good news on cost of living in France as inflation set to fall in 2025

Projected figures suggest that the rate will drop and stabilise

Why money may be taken by French tax office from your bank account today

If you look at your bank statement it will appear as a debit by the ‘direction générale des Finances publiques’

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

European Commission set to decide on French law affecting the wills of resident non-EU nationals including, for example, those from the UK and US, potentially altering inheritance plans

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

New European regulations on cryptocurrency come into effect this month

900,000 households yet to claim 2024 French energy aid (but it is not too late)

The scheme is scheduled to end on December 31 but could be extended

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

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

Deals available on new electric cars as France’s state bonus set to end

Thousands of euros of discounts are available for many popular 100% electric models

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

France set to pass emergency ‘budget law’: is it good or bad for your finances?

The country will effectively be without a budget from 2025, with knock-on effects for individuals and companies

Cash, cheque, bank cards: what payment types can a shop legally refuse in France?

There are clear rules on how, when and why businesses can refuse to accept payment

Rules relaxed for French salary-savings scheme

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

GPs and specialists: List of new fees starting December 2024 in France

Fees will rise for consultations, firstly later this month, and again in July 2025

Pay to park by income: Where in France and how does it work?

Rennes is the most recent city to introduce the system

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

Parcel frauds on increase in France: How to stay alert and avoid them

Scammers are out in force as shopping intensifies in the run up to Christmas

The top 20 cheapest ski stations in France named in new study

France has one of the lowest rates for ski passes in the world

Foreign bank accounts: French court clarifies rules after US account case

Failure to declare them can result in a steep fine