mrs sian bontempo

Hi
Wer are a feamily wanting to move to France desperatley!!
My husband has his own company and works from home.Cand this be done from France and what is the Tax implication.Also would like any info on schooling the children in Frannce.
CAN ANYONE GIVE US SOME POINTERS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION????????????
THANKS
SIAN

jdr

Get an appointment with your local taxman and have a chat with them, they will be really helpful.

JAJ

If you're asking can British citizens live and work in France, the answer is yes (although you may need to fulfil registration formalities).

Usually you end up paying tax where you live, so the French taxman is likely to want some of your husband's earnings.

The British Inland Revenue website is http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk
French government websites can be found from http://www.gouv.fr

Do you speak French? You'll likely struggle in France if you don't.

Jeremy

cul_q

As previously stated in this thread you are entitled, as EU passport holders, to live and work in France. At the present time you may have to obtain a "carte de sejour" in order to reside and work here, although you can buy property and suscribe for all the necessary services. Incidentally the French government has recently announced that they will cancel this requirement for EU citizens. (As they should have done years ago)

You will be liable for 3 principle taxes, apart from TVA on just about everything you buy (eq. UK VAT). These taxes are equivalent to community tax, local income tax and federal income tax, the latter 2 taxes being based on worldwide income and gains. If you plan a long term future you should also be aware that there is a quite onerous inheritance tax. In addition to taxes you will receive bills for untilities such as waste disposal and water treatment (even if you are not connected to a sewerage system) in addition to the usual gw&e. All these carry TVA and the elec bill even includes a local tax which in turn is subject to TVA.

France is one of the highest taxed countries of the world - it has to be to support the vaste number of civil servants and government employees with their associated generous pension plans, the high level of unemployed (10%), the health and social security systems.

Also be prepared for the 35 hour week, shops to close for a 2 hour lunch break, all shops closed on Sunday, the complete closure of many businesses in the first 2-3 weeks of August, all night pharmacies that close at night (you have to ring the door bell), strikes in all areas of public services, dog poo on the streets, beggars, aggressive drivers, train passengers who put their feet up on facing seats even when the train is full, smoking in non-smoking areas, graffiti, deisel exhaust fumes, air pollution in the cities, etc.

On the other hand property* is cheaper than UK even if most need some catch up on maintenance, the wine is good and relatively cheap, cigs are cheaper than UK if you smoke, the selection of cheese is outstanding even in the large supermarkets, although I find meat and fish to be expensive compared to UK and there is less choice. And note there are no grocery bargains to be had at the end of the week.

*Note that property prices have increased remarkably in recent years esp since the euro so you are not going to find the chateau of your dreams going for a song, unless it is an absolute ruin.

Sorry if this all sounds a bit negative but I meet so many disillusioned Brits that regret having sold up to come here and have difficulty coming to terms with life here. Getting back into the UK property market has been expensive for many.

Bon chance