How to Pay Property Taxes and Other Taxes in France (Non-Residents Guide)

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how to pay property taxes.If you are not a tax resident of France, it is important to understand the available methods of payment for French taxes. The easiest and most reliable option is usually paying through your secure personal account on the official tax portal. Using the online system ensures that your payment is automatically sent to the correct tax department.

This guide explains how to pay property taxes, income tax, and property wealth tax in France when you live abroad.

What Payment Methods Can Non-Residents Use in France?

If you are a non-resident taxpayer, the way you pay your taxes may depend on the type of tax involved, including:

  • Income tax

  • Property wealth tax

  • Local taxes such as property tax or residence tax on second homes

Each category follows specific payment rules and deadlines.

Paying Income Tax as a Non-Resident

During the year, income tax is generally collected automatically through different mechanisms.

Taxes may be deducted:

  • Directly from salary, pension, or unemployment benefits through withholding tax

  • From your bank account through instalment payments, especially for property income or self-employment income

In the spring of the following year, you must submit your annual income tax return declaring income received the previous year. The tax authorities then calculate the final tax amount due.

From late July, you receive your tax assessment notice showing the adjustment based on:

  • Taxes already withheld at source

  • Any applicable tax credits or tax reductions

1. If You Are Entitled to a Tax Refund

If you paid too much tax during the year:

  • The refund will be transferred to the bank account registered in your personal tax account.

  • If the tax administration does not have your banking details, the refund will be issued by cheque.

2. If You Still Owe Tax

If there is a remaining balance, the payment will be automatically debited from your bank account starting in September.

The payment schedule depends on the amount due:

  • €300 or less: one single debit

  • More than €300: several instalments

The instalment schedule depends on the date the tax assessment was issued. For example, if the tax is assessed on 31 July, instalments may occur in September, October, November, and December.

If the balance exceeds €300, you may also request a single direct debit payment. To do this, send a request through the secure messaging service in your personal tax account once you receive the tax notice.

3. If a Direct Debit Fails or No Bank Details Were Provided

If a scheduled debit is rejected, the tax authorities will not attempt another debit automatically.

In this situation, you must pay the outstanding balance quickly through your personal online account.

The same payment options also apply if you have not previously provided your bank details to the tax administration.

Accepted Payment Methods for Income Tax

The available payment methods depend on the amount of tax due.

For Amounts Over €300

Payment must be made online only, either:

  • Through your personal account on the tax website

  • Using the direct online payment service

For Amounts of €300 or Less

You may choose among several payment options:

  • Online payment

  • Cheque in euros drawn on a bank located in mainland or overseas France

  • Cheque in CFP francs drawn on a bank account in French Polynesia, New Caledonia, or Wallis and Futuna

Individuals can also pay:

  • By bank card

  • In cash (up to €300)

These in-person payments can be made at approved tobacconists or partner locations if the tax notice includes a QR code indicating this payment option.

Online Payments and SEPA Bank Accounts

Online payments are strongly recommended and can be made from a bank account located in the Single European Payment Area (SEPA).

SEPA includes:

  • The 27 EU Member States

  • The United Kingdom

  • Iceland

  • Liechtenstein

  • Norway

  • Switzerland

  • Monaco

  • San Marino

  • Andorra

  • Vatican City

Special Case: Countries Without SEPA Access

If you live in one of the following countries and cannot open a SEPA bank account, you may pay income tax via international bank transfer:

  • Barbados

  • British Virgin Islands

  • Cuba

  • Iran

  • Kenya

  • Lebanon

  • Morocco

  • Sudan

  • Venezuela

  • Zimbabwe

In this case, the transfer must be made to the account of the Individual Tax Department for Non-Residents (SIPNR). You can request the bank details through the secure messaging service in your personal account.

How to Pay Property Taxes in France (Property Wealth Tax)

If you are liable for property wealth tax, the payment must be made after receiving the tax notice.

For Amounts Above €300

Payment must be made online:

  • On the official tax website

  • Through the mobile tax application

Payments must come from a bank account located within the SEPA area.

Payment Options for Amounts of €300 or Less

If the amount due is €300 or less, you may also pay using:

  • SEPA TIP (interbank payment order) if the bank account is in France or Monaco

  • Cheque

  • Bank card

  • Cash (at authorised tobacconists or approved in-person payment partners)

Setting Up Automatic Direct Debit for Property Wealth Tax

To simplify payments, taxpayers may choose automatic direct debit options.

Two choices are available:

Direct Debit on the Due Date

The full amount is debited once, ten days after the payment deadline.

Monthly Direct Debit

The total tax amount is divided into ten instalments from January to October, helping distribute the cost across the year.

How to Activate Automatic Direct Debit

To set up automatic payments:

  1. Log into your personal account on the official tax website

  2. Click on the “Payments” tab

  3. Go to “Pay your tax bill by direct debit”

  4. Select the payment option you prefer and follow the instructions

How to Pay Property Taxes and Local Taxes in France

Even if you live abroad, local taxes linked to property in France remain payable.

These taxes include:

  • Property tax

  • Residence tax on second homes

  • Other local property-related taxes

They are managed by the local tax office responsible for the property’s location.

Recommended Payment Method

For non-residents, the easiest way to pay property taxes in France is through online payment using a French or SEPA bank account.

Payments can be made:

  • Through your personal account on the official tax website

  • Using the direct online payment service

You will need:

  • Your tax notice

  • Your bank details (RIB)

Automatic Payments for Local Taxes

If your bank account is located in the SEPA area, you may also subscribe to:

  • Direct debit on the due date

  • Monthly instalment payments

Setting Up Direct Debit on the Due Date

This option can be activated through your personal account until the last day of the month before the payment deadline.

Setting Up Monthly Instalments

Monthly payments will apply:

  • For the current year if you subscribe before 30 June

  • For the following year if you subscribe before 31 December

Make sure you have both your local tax notice and banking details available when activating these options.

Getting Help

If you need assistance, you may contact the tax department responsible for the location of your property. They can provide additional information about payment methods, deadlines, and procedures.

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