14. Local French Property Tax

Within 90 days of the property being ready for occupation (even though some minor works may still need to be completed) you are obliged to advise the French tax authority in order that they can undertake a review of the rateable value of the property.

The tax in question is the taxe foncière, a property tax payable every year by owners.

The declaration should be made using Form ‘H1’ which you can download by visiting Taxe Foncière .

The form should be submitted to your local Centre d’Impots Foncier or Bureau Cadastre.

Provided the form is submitted within the stipulated period, then you may be eligible for a reduction in the tax for a period of two years (which can be increased to fifteen years for those in receipt of subsidized government mortgages).

Conversely, if the declaration is not made within 90 days then there is the risk of penalties being imposed or, at a minimum, loss of the full two-year exoneration.