French Tax Changes Mean More Food for Thought

The French Government passed measures last year which have increased the taxes payable by non-resident owners of properties in France and further rises are planned.

Since 1 January 2012, the rate of tax for rental income arising on French property is 35.5 per cent. The increase is due to the ‘social charge’ having been extended to rental income earned by non-residents.

Since 17 August 2012, capital gains on French property are taxed at 34.5 per cent.

The circumstances in which one may have to register as a business are quite varied in France and include most rentals of property for holiday lettings. The rules relating to deductibility of expenditure where a property is used for commercial purposes are similar to those that apply in the UK.