Real Estate Wealth Tax (IFI) – Declaration and Payment
Do you own real estate assets in France subject to the Real Estate Wealth Tax (IFI)? Your annual declaration and payment obligations depend on your personal and family situation. The tax must be filed and paid either online or through traditional payment methods. Failure to meet deadlines or providing inaccurate information can lead to financial penalties. Here’s what you need to know. You can also consult the official French page on IFI – Service-Public.fr for additional reference.
Is IFI declared jointly or separately for couples?
This depends on your marital or civil status as of January 1, 2025:
If you are living as a couple (married or in a civil partnership), you must file a joint IFI return covering all assets, whether jointly or individually owned.
If you got married or entered into a PACS (civil union) during 2024, you still need to declare the combined wealth of the couple, even if you opted for separate income taxation during the year.
When is the deadline to declare IFI?
The IFI declaration is made at the same time as your annual income tax return. For example, in 2025, you report your 2024 real estate wealth.
Online income tax filing for 2024 opens on April 10, 2025.
Deadlines vary based on how and where you file:
Online filing deadlines by department:
| Department Number | Deadline |
|---|---|
| 01 to 19 | May 22, 2025, 11:59 PM |
| 20 to 54 (including 2A and 2B) | May 28, 2025, 11:59 PM |
| 55 to 974/976 | June 5, 2025, 11:59 PM |
| Non-residents | May 22, 2025, 11:59 PM |
If your main residence has internet access and you are capable of filing online, electronic filing is mandatory.
If you are buying real estate in France and wondering what taxes to anticipate, check this complete tax guide on property purchases.
How to declare IFI?
IFI must be declared during the spring tax season, alongside your income tax return. If you are not required to file a personal income tax return, there are alternative methods based on your specific situation.
What happens if you declare late?
Late filing can result in penalties:
A 10% surcharge if you file within 30 days after receiving a formal notice.
A 40% surcharge if you file later than that.
⚠️ If the delay involves the disclosure of previously undeclared foreign assets, the 10% surcharge is increased to 40%.
In addition, late payment interest accrues at 0.20% per month starting from July 1st of the year following the tax year.
What if your IFI declaration is inaccurate or incomplete?
If your declaration underestimates your property value or omits taxable assets:
You will be charged late interest at 0.20% per month (2.4% annually).
A 10% margin of error is tolerated without penalty, provided your good faith is not questioned.
If you justify the omission or valuation in writing when submitting the declaration, late interest may be waived.
However, deliberate underreporting or concealment of assets can lead to more severe penalties, including:
Loss of eligibility for certain tax credits or deductions (income tax and IFI).
This restriction can apply for up to three years following a conviction for aggravated tax fraud, concealment, or money laundering related to tax fraud.
Example: If convicted in 2024, you may lose access to tax credits for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 income tax years.
How is IFI paid?
You will receive a tax notice indicating the amount due.
If the amount is 300 € or less, payment can be made by check, cash (under conditions), or bank transfer.
If the amount is over 300 €, online payment is mandatory via your personal account on the tax website.
What are the penalties for late payment?
If you fail to pay by the due date stated on your tax notice:
A 10% late payment surcharge will be applied to the outstanding tax.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, you may request a payment extension by providing proof of your situation. However, remission (cancellation) of IFI is not allowed.
In case of dispute, you may request an amicable review or file a formal claim.
