According to Amélie Verdier, the director of the General Directorate of Public Finances (DGFiP), the tax declaration by telephone has been well-received and has already been used by over 300,000 taxpayers. This includes Minister of Public Accounts, Thomas Cazenave. Ms. Verdier stated that this success indicates that the telephone declaration option is effective, especially for those with simple declarations.
The tax administration is better prepared this year to assist taxpayers with their declarations, as Ms. Verdier emphasized. While there is a fine of 150 euros for undeclared premises, she did not confirm its application this year. She highlighted the importance of contacting the tax authorities via email, telephone or in person at the office if there are any doubts or questions about declaring all income including Airbnb-type rental income even if it’s not pre-filled in the declaration form.
With the new local network of public services such as France Services houses expanding, there are more points of contact available for taxpayers to seek assistance with their declarations. Ms. Verdier highlighted the importance of having knowledgeable staff answering questions to ensure accuracy in declaring revenues and avoiding penalties like VAT collection slowdown which is partly attributed to a slowdown in inflation affecting revenues estimation in 21 billion euro difference between estimated and actual revenues in 2023.
The tax declaration campaign is set to end between May 21 and June 6, depending on the method of declaration and resident’s department but Ms. Verdier’s reassurance regarding the readiness and availability for taxpayers reflects a more efficient process this year than before.
