Practical money

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

practical

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

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

Can old driving fines in France be cancelled?

Each type of fine has a limit - but beware the clock resetting

Interest rates of French Livret A savings accounts set to fall this summer

Low inflation levels in France expected to contribute to a reduction

French tax inspectors seek €1.3m over family ‘loan’ given almost 30 years ago

Family members argue the money was actually a gift. The courts were not convinced

How can I check my French pension contributions?

Find out the current and projected value pension

Reader tips on how to save money buying food in France

The cost of living crisis has seen prices for most goods and services rise in recent years

France considers linking health reimbursements to income to curb deficit

State auditors urge reform as government faces €15.3bn shortfall in 2024

Three ways to make bank transfers in France despite Easter pause

Traditional payments are unavailable over four-day period

Millions to receive email as France changes benefits system

Pre-filled forms aim to simplify French benefit claims

France's 2026 budget: how new plans could affect residents

Cuts to public and administrative spending, home renovation aids, and pensions are all on government’s horizon

Can a French bank account be opened before moving?

Online and physical banks compete with brokers in finding best solution for those on the hunt for a property

Does residency of children affect French gift tax limits?

The 2025 budget updated certain rules on gifts between parents and children

Bank transfers in France will soon be paused for a few days

The European payment system will take a break for Easter

Self-employed workers in France must switch to electronic billing - what will it cost?

Union leaders warn sector is ‘in jeopardy’ over new rules

Partner article: Where should Britons in France invest – and why?

A balanced portfolio can include offshore investing in a neutral jurisdiction

Partner article: What Americans need to know about filing US tax returns in France

US citizens must declare income regardless of their place of residence

French wealth tax: Six ways to reduce what you have to pay

The property valuation threshold for France's impôt sur la fortune immobilière (IFI) in 2025 is €1.3million per tax household

Can non-residents switch banks in France easily?

Account and card costs are on the rise generally

Why contactless payments under €50 are sometimes rejected in France

The requirement of entering a PIN number for some small purchase is not random

How to value a property for France's wealth tax

Here is how to check if you have to pay the impôt sur la fortune immobilière (IFI) – and how much it will be

New rules for cross-border workers in France

Unemployed workers have less leeway to refuse roles

Why are inheritance funds still in French bank account?

Notaires are responsible for closing accounts

France extends boiler replacement grants

New incentives offer larger grants for modest-income households to switch to efficient heating systems

French tax officials have extra ‘weapons’ to challenge suspicious declarations

Taxpayers may be asked for further evidence or explanations to justify expenses or credit claims

Are we liable to French wealth tax after five years of residency card ownership?

The tax implications for UK retirees living in France post-Brexit

What are the steps to close a French bank account if moving back to the UK?

Switching bank accounts between two French accounts is easier

French income tax declarations: some good news this year

We also explain the temporary exemptions brought in for gift tax

Does using ‘trustee' in French wills raise issues?

'Trusts' have different legal recognition in France than other countries

Understand France's inheritance tax rules and nue-propriété

Question relates to situation when holder of a nue-propriété predeceases the holder of the usufruit

Chart: How does France’s inflation rate compare with that of other EU countries?

France recorded lower inflation than both UK and US at beginning of year

How to plan for your financial future in France

Effective cross-border tax and succession planning requires keeping up to date with the reforms in both countries and adapting your plans

France's falling inflation and rising local taxes require particular attention

Proactive financial planning can help you weather the storm

French tax allowance for many over-65s is rising

New levels will help to keep income tax bills low for those concerned

List: Exchange rates for declaring foreign income in 2025 French tax declarations

All foreign income must be converted and declared in euros

Watch out for these three letters on French bank transfers - they may indicate a scam

Direct debit deductions made by scammers can go unnoticed amongst legitimate payments

Recap: Recent updates and changes in France you may have missed as of February 2025

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

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

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

Is it ever OK to ask your colleagues what they earn in France?

Has a shift in attitudes lead more French employees to openly discussing their earnings?

What to consider if you lend money to family members in France

Having recourse to legal protection can be useful even when dealing with those close to you

Is it right time to renegotiate mortgage on French home?

Falling interest rates prompt many homeowners to consider new deals

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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’