Tax return or no Tax return?

Banking & Financial
1

Hi all,

I have not posted before as I don’t as a rule do much internet stuff!

Pretty certain this topic will have been covered before but… here goes

My understanding is that we need to do a tax return in France I just wanted to check with the knowledgeable people on here if that is correct?

Our only property is in France, we are article 50 10 year card holders. I worked for a short period in the UK at the start of 2024 but have been working in Canada on a temporary work permit since June 2024 and have filed a rax return in Canada for 2024.
My wife is retired.
We filed a tax return in France for 2023.

Am I correct in believing that I need to file a tax return in France?

Thank you in anticipation of your responses.

2

Yes.
And welcome to the site!

3

Thank you Brian, that’s a pretty solid YES then… :blush: :+1:

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4

I agree with Brian that you will need to file a 2024 French return, on the reasonable assumption that for several prior years you have been, and continue to be a French tax resident. If you planned to remain in Canada more permanently, things would change, going forward.

Apologies if you’re already going down this route, but if not, you may well need professional assistance with your 2024 French return. You will have to report income (presumably already) taxed in the UK and Canada. You will need to take into account how both those countries income sources and taxes are treated by France under the two respective double tax treaties. The treatment of foreign taxes are slightly complicated, and most people would baulk at having to work out how to report them correctly, and also to ensure no double tax arises. I salute your courage if you are happy to take on this technical challenge yourself (speaking as a former international tax adviser!).

Best of luck.

5

Not only that, holding an official french Avis d’imposition is an absolute in many walks of life here where paperwork is demanded. As mentioned, the OP has already done a return previously so will be in the system.

6

French tax office officials are very helpful (unlike in the UK) and maybe a good place to start.

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7

Thank you everyone for your helpful replies.

I will gather together my relevant information and give it a go! :crossed_fingers:

Much appreciated.

8

They can be, but there are also very few who really understand international tax. They will most likely try because a loss of face as professional tax officers not to know. But do double check everything.

They are aslo very busy right now.

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9

Hi Jane,

Appreciate what your saying, we are currently still in Canada.

So I am going to attempt to do the tax return online, can’t say I’m confident of completing it.

But, it has to be done. So I’m starting the process now. May have a few more grey hairs by the end. :smiling_face:

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10

Definitely a yes.
I have an accountant who does mine (and others I have recommended him to), my life is in France but spend almost every working week in the UK working. He is as capable in English as I am and very easy to deal with.
Might be worth, if it is your first ‘complex’ one to get a pro to do it to give you a benchmark from which you could take over in subsequent years.

11

Hi, thanks for the response.

Well, I spent some considerable time on it yesterday.

All done and submitted, hopefully I have managed to fill it out correctly :face_with_peeking_eye::crossed_fingers:

Just wanted to say thank you all for the support and advice.

12

Btw, I may get back intouch Bob if I feel that assistance is required?
Just because I’ve submitted the return, doesn’t mean it over with! :wink: