For many years wealth tax cast a shadow over France, scaring off wealthy non-residents from even considering becoming French resident. We still see people going to extremes to avoid wealth tax, setting up trusts (which do not work in France and can give rise to...
Tax & Tax Planning
How Does Brexit Tax Changes Affect Expat Britons in France?
One of the most frequent questions I am asked by UK nationals this year is “What did Brexit change for us regarding our move to France?” This is not an unreasonable question, since it has undoubtedly changed many things, such as health and residency rights, so...
Social Charge Revolution for Retired UK Expats
If you are a retired UK expat living in France, you will be used to not paying French social charges (CSG / CRDS) on your UK pensions, which is excellent news. This is courtesy of EU law, stating that these charges may not be taken on pensions where the beneficiary is...
Release your potential (Wealth)
When it comes to money, most of us would like to have a bit more of it than we do. This may be motivated by the need for new car, a holiday, the security knowing it is there provides or, most importantly, the ability to support those we love. Many of us will...
New Inheritance law coming this summer
If you have not been hiding under a rock, you may have heard that a very important law is coming into force that will affect British people living in France and indeed those who just have property here. What is not clear to everybody is exactly what this means...
Removal of personal allowance for non UK residents
In this year’s budget the UK government announced that it would restrict access to the personal allowance. The “rationale for change” is that people with highly dubious connections to the UK are claiming the UK personal allowance. The consultation period...
Prélèvement Tax in France – Law Change
As part of the new austerity measures announced yesterday, the rate of the "Prélèvement" tax will be increased from 19-24% (37.5% with the social security contributions) as of 1st January 2012. This will only apply to interest and dividends and bond income, but will...
New French Rules: Capital Gains Tax from UK Property
There is currently much confusion since the UK / France tax treaty changed and one point of confusion is how property is taxed for capital gains. As if this wasn't enough, the French government's constant rule changing is adding to the confusion. The purpose of this...
Income and Wealth Tax Returns for 2010
The clocks have gone forward, Spring has arrived, which means it is time to start thinking about your French tax returns! Some things in France seem to involve an inordinate amount of paperwork, but for many, tax is not one of those, as the process is surprisingly...
France is a tax haven!
Mention the words France and taxation in the same sentence and many will start to stutter and maybe even tremble a little. Living in France is all about the life style isn’t it? Surely high taxation is just a fact of life for those whom living in France is either a...