Income tax return complexity

General Discussion
1

I always struggle with my French Tax return. No doubt many of us do.

Its not so much the language I have trouble with - just the form’s complexity.

I could never find a local tax accountant who just did my return for me and charged a modest amount rather than a whole year of services.

In previous years I got help from the local Finance office either in person or on line if I’m not in country at the time.

Can anyone recommend an English speaking tax accountant in the Finistère region or a source listing them?

I’m actually between Morlaix and Carhaix

2

Does it have to be in person? Lots of online services.

3

Are there? I would seriously consider it for next time, bearing in mind the awful tussle I am having at the moment.

4

Don’t we all!
I’ve been quoted 350 Euros from various agents for what I consider a simple tax ‘profile.’ .Another quoted the same for a full ‘annual service’ and no discount for a one off service.
The alternative is to visit the loca finance office and have them fill it in for you within about 15 minutes, …

5

In spite of the fact that they gave me a different and opposite answer to my persecutor in Bethune the other day. I am tempted to get them to do it this year though.

6

I’ve often been on the other side of these queries. Quite a lot has to happen behind the scenes to prepare somebody’s tax return, in particular the first year. That’s when there are fairly onerous regulatory requirements such as Know Your Client/Anti Money laundering checks to perform, plus familiarisation with the new client.

€350 sounds a reasonable amount for a French tax return - there will be precious little profit in it, I suspect. I would also add that clients opinions of the simplicity or complexity of their tax affairs are very often not shared by their tax advisers!

1 Like
7

Agreed. During my 18 years as a French resident I have always used a tax agent to fill in and submit my tax return.
Every year I see the same questions asked about which box to fill and why only later to read that the tax calculation seems outrageous and what can be done to correct the error made that led to the tax requested.
An agent not only fills in and files the return, they will also fight your corner if the revenue have got it wrong, which is not uncommon when dealing with those who derive income forom other than France.
I will pay my 350 euro and get on with life.

1 Like
8

There is a lovely story where Fred, desperate to watch a cup final on his TV, finds the TV not working. An emergency call out engineer came, marked an exact spot on the TV and gave it a mighty wallop. TV sprang into life. Fred queried the bill of 250. ‘Simple’ replied the engineer - 50 for travel and 200 knowing what to do…

By your own admission you are in Fred’s situation. I think 350€ is a bargain against the 500 I pay :rofl: