Practical money

Christmas gifts: from what sum must they be declared to French tax office

The process for declaration is moving fully online from January 2026

Why up to 200,000 households in France risk paying tax – or paying more – in 2026

Lack of a 2026 full budget has many implications

French government drops controversial VAT reforms for self-employed workers

Proposals will not be included in future budget discussions and current levels will remain in place

practical

Six financial checks that every expat in France should do each January

A small amount of organisation now can save considerable stress later

French officials publish reminder on when gifts require formal declaration

New online system will be in place from January 2026

Major IT failure hits French banks and La Poste

Personal online spaces and apps have been down since 6am

France’s Christmas bonus: who receives it, and how much is it in 2025?

Around two million households are eligible for one-off ‘prime de Noël’ payment

Can adult children be held responsible for the debts of their parents in France?

If the mother or father has died the situation can be complex

How long does it take to open a French bank account?

Opening a French bank account is quicker than you think

High-income top-up tax deadline for French households is December 15

Wealthy households must make advance payment before final amounts calculated via spring tax return

France’s key tax deadlines for December

Second-home owners must pay their taxe d’habitation this month

Reduce temperature of French home by one degree to save money and even win gifts

One of several ways to reduce electricity usage – and bills – this winter

French minimum wage: experts advise annual update for 2026 remain tied to inflation rate

1.4% rise expected to outstrip household cost increase – how does it compare to other countries?

Many French bank transfers delayed for four days over Christmas

European-wide closure of systems mean payments will not go through until December 28 at the earliest

Save money on electricity in France with group purchase deal

Two-year fixed-rate offer available until December 20

What is considered a ‘modest income’ in France?

12.6% of people were in this category in 2021, according to recent research

Assurance vie beneficiary clauses: clear wording is everything

Increasing cases where heirs are left frustrated due to problems with this detail

Can I take my small pot pension from the UK early while living in France?

The UK has specific rules relating to pensions worth no more than €10,000

Rules around bank overdrafts to be tightened in France

It will be more challenging for new account holders to obtain large overdrafts

Millions in France to see two tax debits from bank account today

One payment relates to property tax and the other to income tax

What are the proposed changes to child allowance rules in France?

Over two million families could see a change to their allocations familiales if measure is approved

Brittany island’s only ATM shuts, limiting cash access for residents

Thousands of cashpoints have closed in recent years across France

Receive French tax credits? If so it is good to update your information

Annual change can disrupt split-payment system used by authorities

What to do with your low denomination euro coins in France

Less than 50% of payments in 2024 were made in cash

Navigating French gift tax – a simple guide for residents - Partner article

Frequent questions answered on this sometimes complex topic

What are the regulations on trusts in France? - Partner article

Authorities must be kept informed on a variety of important details or serious penalties can ensue

Do you need to declare a UK inheritance in France? - Partner article

A tax resident in France is 'technically' required to - regardless of where the deceased lived

Budget could cut tax reduction for parents of secondary school children in France

Proponents propose a current tax break should instead be channelled into grants

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

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

How you can access French airport lounges at discounted rates

Bank accounts and loyalty schemes can open doors while you are waiting for your flight

What should I do with my old mobile phone in France?

Phones should not be discarded in your domestic household bin

Graph: See France’s historic debt levels

France’s debt to GDP ratio is third-highest in Europe

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

Partner article: What double tax treaty on inheritance means for Britons in France

One issue affecting UK nationals living in France is determining whether they are impacted by UK inheritance tax, French succession tax, or both

It will soon be much easier to withdraw cash in shops in France

Changes to the current service are intended to open it to anyone with a French bank card

Partner article: UK inheritance tax: What expats need to know

The UK’s new residence-based system can be confusing

Residents in rural France affected by bank closures

Thousands of branches have closed in recent years as fewer people use brick and mortar services

Bridging loan alternative offers French property owners quick access to finance

Specialist agents can pay up to 60% of their property's value within weeks through a new initiative

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