Comments on: Starting a business in France

By: Boris

Boris — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:49:43 +0000

Hi Al,
I suppose it depends whether you were tax resident in France for at least one tax year, but the local Hotel des Impots will be best to advise if you don’t have an accountant – they are usually quite helpful (unlike RSI who I have never received any response or help from) and should point you in the right direction.

By: Al

Al — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 11:54:23 +0000

I’ve been here nearly a year having come here with French wife and kids. Tried to register, went around the houses and then got inundated with work ‘freelance from a computer with mainly UK clients’. I’m still not registered with the chambre de metier but have ended up registered with the RSI to pay the ‘cotisations. My wife is homesick for England. She’s probably more English than me after 20 years there and so we’re going back in a few months. Don’t know what to do now. I’ve received the ‘declaration commune des revenue’ and need some advice, I am, of course still obliged to pay my taxes in the UK.

By: Boris

Boris — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 13:05:48 +0000

I wish! No that’s just social charges. Income/corporation tax is on top of that. And 19.6% VAT when it applies.
This high rate is one of the big problems in France that the government has recognised and says they plan to tackle – clearly it is a severe disincentive to starting a new business in France, and also encourages ‘cash in hand’ type work – neither of which are good for the future prosperity of France.
Hence why the majority of French school-children aspire to be civil-servants (a very protected job) rather than run their own businesses.
Mr Sarkozy at least in principle recognises that new businesses should be encouraged rather than killed at birth – hence the potential changes. But seeing a problem and resolving a problem aren’t always the same thing…

By: kevin

kevin — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:23:54 +0000

good luck with all that. hope it goes to plan. of coarse being in business myself here in the UK i know it wont! but…….
i have to say 47% is a bit steep, is that tax, ni, vat etc all in one?