Tax compliance, without the stress
A French company has many tax obligations, with deadlines throughout the year. We set up a calendar for your situation and handle the filings provided for in the engagement letter:
- VAT returns (monthly, quarterly or annual)
- Corporate income tax instalments and balance
- Corporate tax return (liasse fiscale)
- Local business tax (CFE)
- Dividend reporting and related withholdings (IFU)
- Follow-up of your business account on impots.gouv.fr
The tax calendar of a French company
- Every month or quarter VAT return and payment, depending on your regime.
- 15 February Investment income return (IFU), if dividends were paid.
- 15 March, June, September and December Corporate income tax instalments, when thresholds are met.
- May Corporate tax return and balance of corporate income tax.
- 15 December Local business tax (CFE).
Main deadlines for a financial year ending 31 December. They vary with your year end, your regime and the year’s tax calendar: we track them for you.
Tax advice, for your decisions
Tax plays a part in most business decisions: income tax or corporate tax, VAT regime, investment, setting up a holding company, paying dividends, selling the business. We help you weigh the consequences of each option, strictly within the law, and document your choices.
Our role: to set out clearly the options provided by law, with their advantages and trade-offs, so that you decide with full knowledge.
Your goals, our answers
“I don’t want to worry about deadlines any more”
A shared tax calendar and returns prepared on time, with an alert on the amounts to set aside.
“I want the right regime”
On request, we simulate the options (income tax or corporate tax, VAT regime, group regimes) on your actual figures.
“I want secure filings”
Consistency checks and documentation of your tax choices.
Useful simulators
For a first estimate, try the following official simulators, built into our site.
Corporate income tax
Corporate income tax on profit, with the reduced rate for small companies.
Dividends
Income tax, social levies and net dividends, flat tax or progressive scale.
Estimate your budget now, for your situation: estimate my budget
Frequently asked questions
Does my business have to charge VAT?
It depends on your activity, turnover and regime. The thresholds of the VAT exemption scheme change over time: we check your situation and support you if you move into VAT.
How do corporate tax instalments work?
Corporate income tax is paid in quarterly instalments based on the previous year’s profit, then adjusted with the balance. The instalments can be adjusted in some situations.
What is the CFE?
The local business tax (cotisation foncière des entreprises) is due by most businesses, based mainly on the rental value of the premises used. New businesses are exempt in their first year.
Can I recover VAT on all my expenses?
No. VAT is recoverable on expenses incurred for the taxable business, with exclusions and limits (some vehicles, accommodation, gifts above a threshold).
Can my accountant help if I have a tax or social security audit in France?
Yes, as a separate engagement offered only if an audit takes place and if you wish: preparing documents, dealing with the authorities, analysing the findings. It is not included in the usual accounting and tax engagement and is quoted separately.
What does French e-invoicing change for me?
Receiving e-invoices has been mandatory since September 2026; issuing them depends on company size. Read our article
VAT, corporate income tax, CFE: does your accountant in France handle your business tax filings?
Yes: as part of the accounting and tax engagement, your chartered accountant prepares the filings set out in the engagement letter (VAT, corporate tax return, corporate income tax instalments and balance, CFE) and follows your tax calendar. They weigh with you the tax consequences of your decisions, for the company and for you as a director: pay, dividends, choice of regime. Your deadlines are anticipated, with an alert on the amounts to set aside. In 2 minutes, your meeting is booked; in 5 more minutes, your fee estimate is shown. Get my free meeting and quote
Company subject to corporate income tax, already working with an accountant in France: how do you join us?
It is simple: you send your termination letter to your previous firm (we give you an example to adapt), and we organise the handover of your file with them, in line with professional rules. We check the pending tax deadlines with you and present a takeover timetable. See the steps to change accountant
The forecasts, cash-flow plans, dashboards, simulations, studies and analyses mentioned above are additional engagements, à la carte. Each one is quoted in advance, at the frequency you choose.