Practical money

Change for foreign residents and eligibility to family benefit in France

People will only be able to obtain family benefits if they spend majority of the year in the country

What is average salary in France? How does it compare with US or UK?

We also look at the average disposable income per capita in OECD countries

MAP: Where do diners tip the most in France - and how much is usual?

It is more widespread in some regions, but nowhere is it as common as in America

Warning to expect delays with bank transfers in France over Easter

How to avoid getting caught out by the annual bank transfer holiday

Homeowners in France at risk of being sued by subcontractors

If the main contractor fails to pay up, the property owner may be liable, a new ruling confirms

France's way of tracking undeclared pools is unfair, says report

The aerial photography system in use since 2021 is not applied in the same way all over the country

How easy is it to change bank in France?

We look at what tools and processes can help you switch

What changes in France in 2024 for money, tax and banking?

We look at the new banking regulations, property declarations and tax bands

How French tax officials are using AI to track fraud

The software is continually being fine tuned to enhance its ability to identify potential discrepancies

Scheme to rent electric car for €100-a-month launches in France

We look at the government's social leasing scheme, explain who it is for, and how to apply

Rubbish collection tax in France: what exemptions exist?

The tax is closely linked to property taxes in France, although in some cases certain buildings can be exempt

€50 fake notes circulating in south-west France: how to spot one

Fraudsters have been caught using fake notes, particularly for online sites and informal transactions

What rises are expected to house and car insurance in France in 2024?

A two-year agreement to limit rises is set to end next year, but a minister has warned companies against ‘untenable’ rate increases

More than a million extra people to get France’s next fuel cheque

The €100 fuel cheque for low-income drivers is set to be extended as part of a new government deal

Millions of shoppers across France sign up for new ‘deals’ brochure

The free weekly brochure is on an ‘opt-in’ basis only and claims €150 savings a month

Can shops in France refuse to take payments in cash?

The question was sparked by reports of some French shops refusing to accept notes and coins on Sundays

How to protect savings if your French bank crashes

Partner article: Recent bank collapses put a spotlight on savings protection - check your own safeguards, says Rob Kay from Blevins Franks

Money saver: How to pick up free items in France

These popular French websites allow you to find items people are giving away, and there are even tax breaks available if you donate your objects

Five musts when you fill out your French tax return

Partner article: Robert Kent of Kentingtons explains how to avoid paying a 'tax on ignorance'

Save money on white goods in France by buying reconditioned appliances

A French company that reconditions washing machines and tumble dryers has funding to expand across the country

When is the deadline for filing your French tax return?

Online tax returns opened on Thursday (April 13). The deadline for completing them depends on where you live in France

What documents do I need to start my French income tax declaration?

We look at which documents will help you to fill out your French tax declaration

How to check your investments stay on track for life in France

Partner article: Rob Kay from Blevins Franks examines how if you move to France, it may be advantageous to make some changes to your investment portfolio

What happens to a joint French bank account during a divorce?

We get guidance on how to protect your money in a joint account when going through a separation or divorce

Should I cash in my UK pension when moving to France? Six criteria

Partner article: Christopher Davenport from Kentingtons flags potential tax benefits but it is not a ‘one size fits all’ solution

Bid to limit bank fees applied to accounts after a death in France

French fees reported to be three times higher than Spain

Tax-at-source France: How it works and why you still self-declare

The tax-at-source system was introduced in France in 2019 and is part of a hybrid set up alongside some older tax systems

Could you save money in France by renting children’s toys?

An increasing number of businesses in France offer toy rentals, meaning you can exchange them as soon as the kids or grandkids get bored

How much money do you need for a ‘decent life’ in France?

We speak to the economist who calculated the monthly income needed for couples, families, single or retired people

Foreign retirees in France get clarification on income requirements

An Interior Ministry spokesman has clarified the level of income retirees need to convert a visitor visa to a 10-year 'carte de résident'

Grants, savings, tax: how will your finances change in France in 2023?

We look at new laws and changes that could affect you next year

Can buyers claim the interest on their French house deposit?

Who gets the interest often depends on the contract, so for expensive properties and where delays are anticipated it is worth specifying that you want it

Why am I paying two lots of French tax at the end of the year?

We explain when the balance of any tax and social charges on the previous calendar year’s income is paid, as well as new on-account payments

Currency planning for life in France avoids being a hostage to markets

Partner article: Robert Kent of Kentingtons explains why it makes sense to ensure access to euros rather than taking a punt on where the market is going

How to find cheaper petrol and get reduced rail fares in France

From finding the cheapest petrol in your area to reduced fares on holiday train travel, here's how you can make your money go further this month.

How to earn money by recycling ink cartridges in France

Instead of throwing away empty ink cartridges in France, you get could up to €4 a piece for giving them a second life

Language classes, motorway tolls: Tips for saving money in France

Five ways to save money in France, from paying less at swimming pools to improving your language skills for free...

Inflation, interest rates, energy: is France winning on the economy?

Partner article: Christopher Davenport of Kentingtons looks at how France is managing its economy compared to other European countries

Five money saving tips to help you this winter in France

Here are five ways to make your cash go further this winter, from reduced food apps like Too Good To Go to fine dining at a discounted price.

Save capital gains tax by moving to French second home before sale

If you are facing a large capital gains tax bill by selling your home in France it could be worth moving there

Do all newspapers subscriptions qualify for a French tax credit?

Some 30% off your abonnement is possible, under conditions, in a scheme set up to help boost the press sector

French city plans to vary parking tariffs depending on income

Discounts of up to 90% on annual parking passes would be given to lower-income residents

An Assurance Vie opens doors to flexible loan borrowing in France

Partner article: Daniel Butcher of DTB Wealth Management explains the ‘Lombard’ loan opportunity of borrowing against investments in an Assurance Vie

‘Inheritance taxes are a minefield to be navigated in France and UK’

Partner article: Rob Kay from Blevins Franks explains why your children could be taxed in France as non-relatives without proper planning

Six reasons to get your French finances in order before the new year

Partner article: Robert Kent of Kentingtons explains the advantages of thinking about tax, investments, gifts and moving before December 31

French residents save thousands on electricity by returning to EDF

Readers share their experiences of switching back to France’s regulated electricity tariffs, as market prices spiral

French energy firms offer up to €120 discount to those who cut usage

TotalEnergies customers will get money off their spring bills while Engie customers can accumulate bonuses through daily challenges

€100m watch goes on display in France – but how to get it to work

It is insured for €25million but experts say it could fetch four times that if it ever went to auction

How much do you need to earn to count as rich in France?

Around 4.5 million people fall within this rich line threshold in France, which equates to seven per cent of the population

It is claimed the French do not care about money – but is it true?

The French admire successful entrepreneurs –rather than those with inherited wealth – but disapprove of flaunting wealth

Another couple in France lose £14,000 life cover as Aviva ends policy

One reader affected said a dedicated MP for the British abroad in France could have helped

Should £15,000 money gift from parents in UK be declared in France?

Partner article: Gifts should be declared by the receiver, and may be taxable, although there are tax-free allowances

Explainer: How does France’s two-year guarantee on all products work?

We explain the garantie légale de conformité, which offers protection to consumers who have bought faulty or misleading products

French taxe foncière bills arriving, inflation means rises

Property owners who manage their bills online should be able to see them now. Statements sent by post will be posted soon

Which French households must still pay some taxe d’habitation in 2022?

The tax is being gradually phased out for main residences but is not completely finished yet

Does it make sense to 'buy-to-let' property in France?

Partner article: Robert Kent of Kentingtons explains the pros and cons of renting out property in France

Barclays closes accounts of Britons in France: what about other banks?

We asked other main UK banks about their intentions for account-holders in France

We only have joint French tax number – should we get personal ones?

We look at how French numéros fiscaux work in terms of income tax declarations via the tax authority’s website

Could you save money with your French commune's health insurance?

The ‘mutuelle communales’ are group top-up policies for a town - 2000 communes offer them

Extra step in French property sales for UK, US, Australian residents

Non-EU citizens must use a fiscal representative to deal with capital gains tax. We asked one such intermediary what is involved

It is a mistake to close so many local banks, claims French think-tank

Economics expert says banks must learn from the Titanic: ‘being a giant does not save you from a shipwreck’

If we sell items from our French second home on eBay will we be taxed?

Reader asks about selling furniture and other household goods online as they are leaving France

Investing: avoid fads and spread risk to make money for life in France

Partner article: Christopher Davenport of Kentingtons tells us what to consider when financial markets are turbulent - and a word from Warren Buffet

If I owe money in France will my debts expire after a set time?

We look at how different organisations treat debt and if there is a time limit to your liability if you can’t pay

Can we go back to regime réel to run our letting business in France?

Switching taxation regimes is possible under certain circumstances

Can I leave money to charities helping Britons in France?

To avoid issues, it is better to opt for France based charities

What will President Macron's second term mean for my money in France?

Partner article: ‘There will be no austerity in France’ Christopher Davenport of Kentingtons shares his thoughts on your financial future under Mr Macron

Five tips to enjoy a long and financially secure retirement in France

Partner article: As the cost of living longer puts pressure on savings, Rob Kay from Blevins Franks shares his expertise on money management in retirement

Should I declare capital gain in France from selling overseas home?

A key defining issue for this is whether the country involved has a double tax treaty with France

Why did declaring UK pension in France cause new 0.4% tax levy?

French tax authorities cannot apply a ‘withholding tax’ on pensions but can take money from your bank account each month as an on-account payment

I live in France but my earnings arise in UK: Where to pay income tax?

As France is where you reside, it is to France that you should be declaring your worldwide income and paying whatever tax is due – and the social charges – and not the UK

Explainer: What is France’s taxe de séjour, who pays it and when?

We look at the country’s two systems for this tourist tax and whether it is up to the holidaymaker or the accommodation host to pay it

French income tax declaration deadline looms - seven rules explained

Partner article: Income is taxed differently in France to the UK. Rob Kay, from Blevins Franks, highlights seven key points to be aware of

Best way for Britons in France to manage ‘lump sums’ of money

Partner article: Consider putting money from UK ISAs, property sales or investments into a French ‘Assurance Vie’ says Daniel Butcher, founder of DTB Wealth Management