as Colin says, 2 local taxes...when we first arrived we assumed that the Taxe Foncier was 'imbedded' in out 'syndic's' charges ( this a fee co-proprietaire's pay to manage ( hah! ) the admin of the whole co-owned building.)
Strangely, a bill was sent to our French Apt for the Foncier Tax, ( could have been the other way around, can't remember ) so we paid it, the bill for the later ( taxe d'habitation ) was sent to our previous rented house in the UK. We knew nothing about it till will received a 'fine' of 60 Euros.
So we went to the admin building which issues both notices, to argue that we can't pay a bill, if we don't receive it, and did they not 'cross' refer our details on the computer system.
NO Chance. had to pay!
Even more annoying, is that when you pay, you have to pay 'by Post'
I went, one time 'in person' with a cheque...not acceptable...How about cash I said? not acceptable.. ( you can't pay by phone, standing order, credit or debit card ) I had to leave the building, go over the road to the Post office, queue for 20 mins, buy a stamp..and post it.
Also any school age children will recieve Rentree Scolaire if you income comes below a certain level. This is a must as many of the thing supplied in an English school must be bought in France.
my wife and I have been through the lot, both ae, we have cartes vitales, have paid local taxes, etc. In essesnce it all works. Our incomes have been exceptionally low last year so will they believe us? that is another question. but sure, it all works and whilst rsi and ram are not good at answering questions, so far so good.
Don't forget your Mutuelle Assurance - this covers your top up for your health insurance.
Varies on age and the company you decide on but not on health. Ensure you get more than 100% for optical and dentist as the state doesn't provide anywhere near enough.
Earnings must be declared each May for the previous year. Cotisations paid as an auto entrepreneur via RSI are IN ADDITION to any income tax for which you may be liable. The good news is that unless you're earning over about 25k Euros you're unlikely to have to pay any tax, but you MUST make a tax declaration annually or you will be liable to a fine, even though you may not earn enough to pay tax. You must also declare anything you earn or draw as a pension from the UK or elsewhere outside France - Tax office issue an exchange rate annually to be used in calculations - also any interest on UK savings (albeit likely to be non-existent at present) Worth a visit to your local tax office to ask any questions - they're usually in my experience very courteous and helpful - but like all authorities in France, ignore them at your peril.
Hi wish I could help you. I've got as far as registering. have been hanging on the phone waiting for ages to receive assistance to finish it off registering the rest of it eg...my national insurance number, carte vitale etc......still no answer! AAARRGGHHH!!!!!
I'm registered as an AE and I got my Carte Vitale through RSI. I guess that you'll be the same although I believe it depends upon what category you are registered in as an AE.
Tax is different to Social charges/cotisations. I'm not really too sure about it all myself either - however I'll email you the details of someone I know and trust who will put you on the right track.
Have you been to the social security office to apply for a carte vitale? I have been struggling through it all too but my understanding is that even if you are working in France and paying taxes etc the carte vitale still only covers about 80% of the cost of any medical needs. If you go to hospital or see a specialist the other 20% can be quite a hit. Because I paid sufficient National Insurance in UK I got a form S1 from UK and gave that to the Social Security here for my carte vitale but when it arrives I need to get a top up insurance too. It all took me a bit longer because I didn't have my full birth certificate just a short one so I had to send for one from Briatin.
Just to say you are not alone in feeling slow on this subject, I always thought I was quite bright and organised but this feels like running through mud!
Ah, now you see this is where I start getting confused. I'll be paying tax (ie income tax and presumably the necessary percentages for social security) through autoentrepreneur, so what tax will I be paying by registering at the Hotel des Impots or is that also for income tax? Health cover has to just wait until I start earning - if I ever get issued with a Carte Vitale that will have to cover the basics until I can afford top up.
You also need civil liability insurance, it may be included with your house but you need to check. You need to go to Hotel des Impots to register for tax and you will probably need to take out a 'mutuelle' to top up your health cover. Not compulsory but usually a good idea for most people (the top up isn't compulsory, the tax bit is!)
Still in much the same boat as you, missus! Haven't even got round to registering for AE yet, and have some money in bank, so not making any claims on French state. You will have to also pay tax d'habitation, which covers bin and stuff. Varies from region to region. Vanessa may know more.