France Tax Rates 2022

Income tax in France ranges from 0.00% to 45.00% in 2022. The 0.00% rate applies to low earners, while the top marginal rate of 45.00% applies to the highest income bracket. The estimated effective rate at average income is approximately 32.2%.

The standard corporate income tax rate in France is 25.00% as of 2022. This is in line with the global average corporate tax rate.

The standard VAT (Value Added Tax / GST) rate in France is 20.00%. Reduced rates typically apply to food, medicine, and other essential goods..

Capital gains tax in France is 30.00% in 2022. Dividend income is taxed at 30.00%.

In France, employees contribute 22.00% of their gross salary to social security. Employers contribute an additional 42.00%. These contributions typically cover pensions, healthcare, and unemployment insurance.

France levies an inheritance or estate tax at rates up to 45.00%. The actual rate depends on the value of the estate and the relationship between the deceased and the beneficiary — close relatives typically pay lower rates.

When buying property in France, a property transfer or stamp duty tax of approximately 5.80% is applied to the purchase price. This is a one-time tax paid at the time of purchase and is typically the responsibility of the buyer.

France has a very high overall tax burden. The maximum combined income tax and employee social security rate reaches 67%. High-tax countries like France typically offer comprehensive public services in return, including universal healthcare, generous pensions, and subsidised education.

The top income tax rate in France is 45.00%, compared to a Europe average of 50.4% among neighbouring countries. France taxes income at a lower rate than the regional average.

The effective tax rate is the actual percentage of income paid in tax — lower than the top marginal rate because lower brackets are taxed at lower rates. In France, the estimated effective income tax rate for an average earner is approximately 32.2% (2022), compared to the headline top rate of 45.00%. Adding employee social security of 22.00% gives a total effective burden of roughly 49.8% on gross pay.

France uses a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 0.00% at the lowest bracket to 45.00% at the top bracket (2022). There is effectively a tax-free band at the bottom — income up to the personal allowance threshold is taxed at 0%. The number and thresholds of brackets vary by country and are typically adjusted annually for inflation.

Dividend income in France is taxed at 30.00% (2022). This is lower than the top income tax rate of 45.00%, meaning dividend income is taxed more favourably than employment income. Withholding tax may also apply to dividends paid to non-residents.

In France, tax residency is typically determined by the number of days spent in the country (often 183 days per year) or by having a permanent home there. Tax residents are liable for income tax at the same rates as citizens — 0.00% to 45.00% — on their France-sourced or worldwide income depending on the tax regime. Non-residents are typically taxed only on income sourced within France. France has tax treaties with many countries to prevent double taxation.

Freelancers and self-employed individuals in France typically pay income tax at the same progressive rates as employees — 0.00% to 45.00% — on their net profit after allowable business expenses. Unlike employees who split social security with their employer, self-employed workers often pay both the employee (22.00%) and employer (42.00%) portions themselves, significantly increasing the total tax burden. Self-employed workers are usually required to file a self-assessment tax return and make advance tax payments during the year.

France levies a wealth or net worth tax on individuals whose total assets exceed a certain threshold. This is an annual tax on the value of assets — including property, investments, and savings — above the exemption limit. Rates are typically low (0.5–2.5%) but apply to the total value of qualifying assets.

The standard income tax return filing deadline in France is late May. Extensions are sometimes available but must be requested in advance. Filing late typically incurs interest charges and penalties. Most countries require employees whose tax is fully withheld at source to file only if they have additional income, deductions to claim, or earned above a threshold.