Money

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

Fact check: Does France offer world’s most generous health reimbursement?

It comes after a government spokesperson made the claim this week

Why parking fines in France are now more likely to be cancelled

It comes after France’s highest administrative court found in a driver’s favour

news

What is ideal calendar donation for French firefighters and postal workers?

There is no set price for the calendars, which are sold in workers’ spare time

Are old euro banknotes still valid in France?

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

Widespread Linky electricity meter checks on way across France

Enedis is cracking down on ‘illegal hacks’ that have cost €250m in electricity fraud since 2022

Why bank cards are changing in France

The new payment systems aim to make it easier to shop online and to fight fraud

French health minister proposes lower reimbursement of medicine

Patients (or their top-up insurance) will need to pay more if the proposal goes ahead

Where are you paid the most in France (out of Paris)?

A new ranking looks at pay differences and includes an average hourly rate for white- and blue-collar workers by department

Major French bank hits overseas clients with ‘admin fees’ of up to €300 a year

Many second-home owners in the UK and US are affected

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

Small increase in notaire fees for property buyers expected in France

The fee is expected to generate revenue of €30 million a year to fight against coastal erosion

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

Third online bank to close amid competitive market in France

'Ma French Bank' only opened in 2019. We look at what customers need to do

Heated French budget examination to resume next week

It comes after MPs adjourned after six days of debate at the weekend

Mystery lottery winner of €1m in French Alps has until Friday to claim

The winner has still not come forward, almost two months after their win

What is ‘TIN’ number French bank is requesting?

It is related to taxation, and not social security

How to sell your jewellery or gold in France

The sale of gold is highly regulated in France. We give tips to make the most of the booming market

What people in France earn and own - new official figures

Statistics show households’ ‘gross wealth’ and the effect of inheritance and property

French property and tax: 7 common questions

Rob Kay, Senior Partner at Blevins Franks, reviews costs, taxes, and estate planning for UK nationals

Step-children: French MPs favour new €31,865 gift tax allowance

Amendment also calls to lighten tax on siblings, nephews and nieces - but to tax wealthy direct heirs more

People in France giving more to charity in 2024

The most popular causes are medical research and animal protection

‘Round up’ banking enables people in France to save without realising

The method is seen as a way for shoppers who might normally struggle to save to build up extra cash

French MPs reinforce new budget’s tax rises for wealthy

Three-year limit on tax increases removed, paving way for permanent increase

Property tax deadline is extended in France after website crashes

Thousands logged on simultaneously to pay their taxe foncière bill just before midnight deadline

Inheritance in France: Can lodging a child for low rent cause issues?

The French supreme court has overturned a decision by the court of appeal on what constitutes a ‘gift’ by a parent

Investing in France in an inflationary environment needs much thought

Christopher Davenport of Kentingtons looks at France's exceptional inflation levels in 2022, and whether it is set to become the norm

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

Var resident leaves €2.5m to his commune - on one condition

The man passed away at the age of 95

Retiree relieved as €160,000 bill from French state is cancelled

The woman was accused of receiving a salary and a pension at the same time

Income tax: the new bands in France for 2025 after revision

The thresholds for 2024 income have been adjusted for inflation

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

Pension freeze to affect 14 million people in France: who and why

It is estimated that a six-month delay will save the state more than €4 billion by 2025

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

Proposed tax rises on well-off in France: who is deemed wealthy?

The PM is considering several options to raise the billions needed to address the country’s deficit

New telephone law aims to reduce bank fraud in France

The new measures are intended to make official numbers ‘tamper proof’

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

Is it better for partners to have a joint bank account in France?

There are rules to consider about who owns the funds and what happens if the couple separates

Two million over-60s live on less than €1,216 a month in France

Those who live alone are the most affected, says new study

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

French department trials ‘income scheme’ for young people

The scheme is aiming to help those who do not qualify for any other support

Overdraft fees, pay, ecology: three French banks criticised in new report

Three major banks scored poorly on social and environmental factors including investing in tax havens and deforestation projects, and large staff pay gaps

‘Family discount cards’: what deals exist in France

Eligible families can apply for the card and access discounts on transport and leisure sites, but criteria apply

Should you reinvest your pension fund in France?

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

How does average wealth in France compare with the UK?

A recent study puts France ahead of most countries

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

South of France wine bar accepts payment in Bitcoin - and awaits a client

It is not a gimmick but a genuine appeal to younger clientele, say owners

Some French ATMs now allow card-free cash withdrawals - how does it work?

The system could be useful for those who have forgotten their bank card

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

Shop olive oil: French consumer group names cheapest healthiest option

It is now rare to find a litre of olive oil for less than €10

850,000 retirees in France will see their pension increase from October

Eligible pensioners will also receive an average €600 retrospective payment

Do not fall for a scam relating to a ‘gift’ Decathlon tent in France

It is being spread via a Facebook post that invites users to take part in ‘a simple competition’...

Three French cities offer free public transport - and soon four?

Clermont-Ferrand could become the latest to introduce daily free travel

Capital gains tax when selling property in France

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

Participatory tax: Could French taxpayers soon choose where taxes go?

The concept has been rejected in France previously but is in operation elsewhere

Man who flooded Europe with millions of false banknotes arrested

French police coordinated the operation along with Europol and Italian anti-counterfeiters

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

French bank fees to reduce for instant transfers and ATM withdrawals

The changes are set to come into force from this autumn

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?

Eco-friendly savings plans target young in France

New savings initiatives encourage young adults to support environmentally sustainable projects

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

Electricity price rises in France: are solar panels a good solution?

Can the panels really save you money? We look at the advantages and disadvantages

‘Tourist tax’: who pays this in France, how much and when?

Visitors to France may be charged a tourist tax when they stay in a hotel, B&B, campsite, or holiday village. Here is how it works

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

Deadlines for the taxe foncière depend on payment method