Wow, that’s so different to Blighty; many business owners here are scrabbling around currently trying to reach the January 31 deadline for 2024 taxes.
The French system will take a bit of getting used to, but at least your taxes are all paid in advance, barring an unexpected turnover increase.
I bet you did not know either here for employees, the boss has to pay a separate bureau for their paid holiday entitlements, not two weeks paid for no work, also we had to pay a Taxe d’Apprentissage each year to help train up new blood in the building sector, Cotisations for Chamber de Mètiers, CAPEB, Heath cover for employees which was via UTSSAF, then the RSI and I don’t know now plus an accountant to do the pay slips and accounts each end of December and several others including hefty insurance Déçenelle for clients. Make sure you know what you are getting into as once registered you can’t just shut up shop without it being done officially. Income tax here was also on top if it qualified but as we were TVA registered, it was never if hardly anything by the time they took the TVA credit to us out of the equation. Getting overpayments back takes a long while too and if you get behind, a hefty interest is slapped on automatically that you have to pay as well.
In northern France there was a man sat in his office all day as he couldn’t afford to close his swimming pool shop.
I can probably believe that to be honest. I had to pay € 500 to URSSAF one year to give an employee the sack confirmed by a visit by l’Inspecteur de Travail on site for moonlighting when supposedly off ill,just for the contract to be cancelled, the employee did not get anything though.
Thanks for the heads up. I only subcontract, so I don’t personally employ anyone, which looks like it will make things much easier.
I understand there’s a thing there called a ‘micro-entrepreneur’ which, from reading some of the small print, sounds like a good, simplified option, although still more complicated than the UK and with higher rates.
You forgot the fine from URSSAF for miscalculating annual turnover by more than 30% 
Don’t get me started! We have spent days trying to get the paperwork sorted to do a completely legal no fault sacking since we are moving house so there will be nothing for our cleaner to clean.
Been to France Services twice and they can’t make the online processworkeither.
When I left S Africa, I had to terminate my maid’s employment. I’d already given her a bonus and my automatic washing machine so she could make some money by taking in people’s laundry and eventually drove her down to the township taxi rank, where instead of getting out and saying ‘Goodbye’ she said, “We’ll meet again in Heaven” and then began wailing loudly. This started to attract a crowd and the situation got a bit scary, so I very conspicuously gave her some more money, the wailing was replaced by a big smile and I was able to drive off safely.
Think if I could chose, I might opt for URSAAF bureaucracy
Always wondered how that worked as anyone could have an exceptional year that may not carry over to the next?
I struggle abroad, being so “well off” if you know what I mean. It can be so difficult at times.
Not wanting to remember that horror.
Depending on what you do this can be a really good option, especially to start with. Lots of us on here are micro entrepreneurs so you’ll get lots of help!
Basically, it is tough s%%t. You can always adjust your forecasted revenue/turnover or beg for a repayment deal pending the actual return filed later, but they won’t necessarily grant it you. Obviously, if exceptional circumstances (e.g. you lose your major client), then they might reconsider, but it isn’t guaranteed.
As an addendum to the above, some comparative statistics from Infogreffe for 2025 over 2024. The French economy is fragile in many ways, and it wouldn’t take much to upset the apple cart…
It has begged the question to how under this plan a french person can ever become a millionaire or more.
Probably in the usual way - lie, cheat, inherit, step on and/or ruthlessly exploit others ?
Thank you for the info. I’ve always thought every economy, worldwide, is a house of cards, and that’s been proven for decade after decade. I certainly wouldn’t use this as a reason not to move to France, as the UK economy is becoming more and more fragile.
Thanks cat. I’ll definitely be needing some help, so that’s much appreciated.
@Lee-Yorkshire - my perception is tax is lower in France than UK. I moved 5 years ago and self employed and overall standard of living has increased significantly, lower taxes, fantastic health services, you can actually get to see a doctor or dentist very quickly.
Food is better, shopping is easier and closed on Sundays and 2 hours for lunch, so everyone is relaxed which makes for a genuinely a great place to live.
Countryside is peaceful and air quality is awesome.
Good luck getting your visa sorted, renting is definitely best option. Take your time. Look around and find the right place as it takes a long to buy a house in France.
I’m in Niort (79) direction fabulous Countryside and La Rochelle not far away. Check out the Marais Poitevin if you like walks or cycling.
And enjoy it while you can as the threat of the megabassines has not gone away.
https://reporterre.net/Dans-le-Marais-poitevin-des-megabassines-toujours-dans-les-tuyaux