We Offer Strategic Legal Services
Accounting and Tax (for Companies Operating in France)
Entrust your French accounting and tax compliance to our bilingual chartered accountants and corporate lawyers. We handle everything — from bookkeeping and payroll to VAT returns, annual financial statements, and corporate tax filings — ensuring your company remains fully compliant under French law.
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What is Accounting and Tax Compliance in France?
Accounting and tax compliance are mandatory obligations for all French companies, regardless of their size or business sector. They encompass the maintenance of regular accounts, preparation of annual financial statements, and timely submission of tax declarations to French authorities (URSSAF, Impôts, INSEE, etc.).
Proper accounting does not only satisfy legal requirements — it also provides reliable data for strategic decision-making, cash flow optimization, and tax efficiency. Having a professional team ensures that every entry, expense, and declaration complies with both the French Commercial Code and the General Tax Code (CGI).
Advantages of Our Accounting and Tax Service
Full compliance: all your financial obligations are monitored and met on time.
Integrated legal expertise: our accountants work alongside French lawyers for maximum accuracy and risk prevention.
Time saving: you can focus on business growth while we handle your accounts and tax returns.
Transparency and reporting: we deliver clear financial statements and monthly summaries to help you stay informed.
Cost control: no surprises — our services are billed on a fixed or scalable plan according to your company’s size.
Our approach combines technical precision with business insight, giving entrepreneurs the confidence that their French operations are financially sound and tax-efficient.
How We Manage Your Accounting and Tax in France
Managing your accounting and tax obligations in France doesn’t have to be complex. With FrenchCo.lawyer, everything is handled from start to finish — securely, transparently, and in line with French standards.
Here’s our step-by-step process:
Initial Assessment
We begin by reviewing your company’s structure, activity, and tax status to determine the right accounting framework (simplified, standard, or consolidated). This ensures that your obligations match your company type and turnover.
Bookkeeping and Records
Our accountants maintain your general ledger, journals, and supporting documents. Each transaction is classified and recorded under French GAAP (Plan Comptable Général).
Payroll and Social Declarations
We manage salary slips, employer contributions, and all URSSAF and social filings — ensuring your employees are paid correctly and all declarations are submitted on time.
Tax Management
We prepare and file VAT returns, income tax (IR or IS), CFE, CVAE, and other applicable taxes. We also optimize deductions and credits (e.g., CIR, training tax) where eligible.
Year-End Accounts and Filing
We draft the balance sheet, profit and loss account, and management report, then file them with the Commercial Court Registry and the French Tax Administration.
Why Choose FrenchCo.lawyer?
Because we combine legal and accounting expertise under one roof, every decision you make — from invoicing to structuring your director’s remuneration — is managed with full awareness of its tax and legal implications. Our integrated team ensures your accounting records stay aligned with French GAAP, tax law, and your company’s strategic objectives, while providing clear communication in both English and French. You receive personalized guidance instead of automated templates, predictable fees, and responsive service, so you can focus on growing your business while we take care of the numbers and filings.
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What We Need From You to a Manage Your Accounting and Tax?
To manage your accounting and tax obligations effectively, we will simply ask for:
Company Information
Your registered office address, company registration details (Kbis extract), and a description of your business activity.
Financial Documents
Bank statements, invoices, receipts, and any existing accounting records. Secure digital upload available.
Employee Information (if applicable)
Staff details and employment contracts to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance.
Tax Identification
Your SIREN/SIRET number and VAT registration details, as well as access credentials to your online tax account (impots.gouv.fr).
And Then?
Once we have these elements, our accountants and legal advisors will handle everything: recordkeeping, declarations, annual accounts, and tax filings. You’ll receive monthly reports and your certified annual statements — fully compliant and ready for submission.
Accounting and Tax Services – Transparent Fees, Clear Process
Flat monthly fee starting from €249 excl. taxes*
Includes bookkeeping, VAT returns, and annual accounts filing.
Additional services such as payroll management, consolidated reports, or international tax compliance can be added upon request.
No hidden charges. No outsourced intermediaries.
Our commitment:
we are lawyers and accountants
not brokers of software or resellers of add-ons.
We deliver real expertise, not automated forms.
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Why Choose Us?
We Deliver Transparent, Lawyer-Led Accounting & Tax Support
Integrated expertise: Our lawyers and accountants work together to ensure your records and filings meet French GAAP and legal standards.
Accurate and compliant: We manage your accounts, VAT, and tax declarations with precision and reliability.
Tailored advice: Get clear guidance on tax optimization, remuneration, and business structure.
Bilingual support: Communicate easily in English or French, with responsive and professional service.
Let us handle your accounting and tax compliance — so you can focus on growing your business.
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Understanding Accounting and Tax in France
Can a foreign company or individual be subject to French accounting and tax obligations?
Yes.
Any entity — whether French or foreign — carrying out a regular and effective activity in France is subject to French accounting and tax obligations. This includes both branches and subsidiaries of foreign companies, as well as individual entrepreneurs residing abroad but operating in France.
1. Companies with a Permanent Establishment in France
Foreign companies that have a permanent establishment (office, warehouse, staff, or regular business presence) must:
- Keep French accounting records (in euros, in French, under the Plan Comptable Général).
- File corporate tax (impôt sur les sociétés – IS) on their French-source profits.
- Submit VAT and social security declarations where applicable.
2. Companies Without a Permanent Establishment
If a foreign company only provides occasional services in France without a fixed base, it may still:
- Have to register for VAT if it invoices French clients.
- Appoint a tax representative in France if based outside the EU.
3. Non-Resident Individuals
Non-residents generating income in France (e.g., rental, consulting, or business activity) are taxable on French-source profits and must maintain appropriate accounting or income records.
What accounting system must be used in France?
French companies must follow the Plan Comptable Général (PCG) — the official French accounting framework governed by the Code de commerce (Articles L. 123-12 to L. 123-28).
This system defines:
- Standardized account numbers and chart of accounts (PCG).
- Accrual-based accounting (revenues and expenses recognized when incurred, not paid).
- Mandatory year-end financial statements: balance sheet, income statement (compte de résultat), and notes (annexes).
Small businesses can use a simplified regime (régime réel simplifié), while larger entities must comply with full accounting obligations.
Failure to maintain compliant accounts exposes directors to penalties, tax reassessments, and in severe cases, criminal sanctions for false or missing accounts.
What are the main taxes applicable to companies in France?
French businesses are subject to several direct and indirect taxes. The key ones include:
1. Corporate Income Tax (Impôt sur les Sociétés – IS)
Applicable to companies subject to IS (SARL, SAS, EURL opting for IS, etc.).
Rates in 2025:
- 15% on the first €42,500 of profit (if turnover ≤ €10M and fully paid-up capital).
- 25% on profits exceeding that threshold.
2. Income Tax (Impôt sur le Revenu – IR)
Applicable to sole proprietorships or entities taxed under the personal income regime. Profits are taxed at the owner’s personal rate under BIC, BNC, or BA categories.
3. VAT (Taxe sur la Valeur Ajoutée)
Collected on sales of goods and services.
- Standard rate: 20%
- Intermediate: 10%
- Reduced: 5.5% or 2.1% for specific products or services.
4. Local Business Tax (CFE – Cotisation Foncière des Entreprises)
Based on the rental value of business premises. Mandatory for all businesses operating in France.
5. Other Contributions
- Payroll taxes (URSSAF, social contributions).
- Training tax and apprenticeship contribution.
- Environmental or sector-specific taxes (where applicable).
How are accounting and tax deadlines organized in France?
Accounting and tax compliance in France follows a strict annual and periodic calendar:
Obligation
Frequency
Deadline / Period
Bookkeeping updates
Continuous
Throughout the year
VAT returns
Monthly or quarterly
19th of each month or quarter
Payroll and social contributions
Monthly
15th of following month
Corporate tax prepayments
Quarterly
15 March, 15 June, 15 Sept., 15 Dec.
Annual accounts approval
Annually
Within 6 months of year-end
Accounts filing at RCS
Annually
Within 1 month after approval
Corporate tax balance (IS)
Annually
By 15th of the 4th month after year-end
Failure to comply with these deadlines can trigger fines, surcharges, and interest penalties.
Who can maintain a company’s accounting in France?
In France, accounting can be handled by:
- A Certified Public Accountant (Expert-Comptable) registered with the Ordre des Experts-Comptables.
- The company itself, if it has qualified staff and internal controls.
- A law firm working in coordination with a certified accountant, especially for small or foreign-owned entities.
Unregistered accounting services are illegal. Using a registered professional ensures your books are valid for both commercial and tax purposes.
What are the main accounting documents required by French law?
Every company must produce and maintain:
- General ledger (grand livre)
- Journal entries (journal comptable)
- Trial balance (balance générale)
- Supporting documents (invoices, receipts, payroll slips)
- Inventory and year-end statements
- Annual financial statements (balance sheet, profit and loss, annexes)
Digital archiving is permitted, provided all records remain accessible and unaltered for 10 years.
Can a foreign company outsource its French accounting and tax obligations?
Yes.
Foreign entities can fully delegate accounting, tax filings, and payroll to a French accountant or law firm, provided:
- The entity grants power of attorney (mandat fiscal) to act before the French Tax Administration (DGFiP).
- All records (invoices, bank statements, payroll data) are transmitted for verification and archiving.
This is particularly useful for foreign entrepreneurs, subsidiaries, and non-resident managers who need compliance support without maintaining in-house staff.
What are the main social security contributions for company directors in France?
Director contributions depend on their legal status and company type:
1. Self-Employed Managers (TNS – Travailleurs Non-Salariés)
Applies to:
- EURL sole shareholder–managers
- SARL majority managers
Contributions are based on profits or remuneration and cover:
- Health and maternity
- Pension
- Family benefits
- Professional training
Average rate: 35–45% of net income.
2. Assimilated Employees (Assimilés Salariés)
Applies to:
- SAS/SASU presidents
- SARL minority managers
Contributions calculated like those of employees (except unemployment insurance).
Average rate: 65–75% of gross remuneration.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with accounting or tax obligations?
Failure to comply can lead to financial, civil, and criminal consequences:
Violation | Possible Sanction |
Late tax filing | 10–40% surcharge + interest (0.2%/month) |
Omitted income or false declaration | 40–80% penalty depending on intent |
Missing or falsified accounts | Up to €500,000 fine and 5 years’ imprisonment for company directors |
Non-filing of annual accounts | Up to €1,500 fine and possible court order to file |
VAT fraud | Criminal liability + tax reassessment |
Professional assistance ensures full compliance and avoids these risks.
How do accounting and tax apply to micro-entrepreneurs or small companies?
Small entities may benefit from simplified obligations:
- Micro-entrepreneur regime: simplified bookkeeping (register of income/expenses only), no balance sheet required.
- Simplified tax regime: VAT exemption (franchise en base) and lighter filing requirements.
- Thresholds (2025):
- Sales of goods: ≤ €188,700
- Services: ≤ €77,700
Above these limits, full accounting and tax compliance under the real regime becomes mandatory.
How does French accounting and tax compare with other EU countries?
While harmonized under EU directives, France maintains stricter formalities:
- Accounts must be in French and filed with the Commercial Court Registry.
- Strict layout and numbering standards under the Plan Comptable Général.
- Mandatory public filing of annual accounts (except for micro-entities).
However, France offers favorable tax credits (CIR, CII) and a reduced corporate tax rate (15%) for small and medium-sized enterprises — making it both secure and competitive.
Summary Table: Accounting and Tax in France
Aspect | Details |
Legal framework | Code de commerce + Code général des impôts |
Accounting system | French GAAP (Plan Comptable Général) |
Corporate tax (IS) | 15% up to €42,500 profit, 25% above |
Income tax (IR) | Progressive up to 45% |
VAT | 20%, 10%, 5.5%, 2.1% |
Local tax (CFE) | Annual, based on premises |
Filing deadlines | Monthly/Quarterly VAT, Annual IS, Year-end filing within 6 months |
Retention period | 10 years |
Penalties | 10–80% surcharges, fines, imprisonment for fraud |
Best suited for | SMEs, foreign subsidiaries, startups operating in France |
Have a Question?
Speak directly with our French accounting and legal experts for a Free Initial Consultation — tailored to your company’s needs.
Manage Your French Accounting with Ease
Let our bilingual accountants and lawyers handle your bookkeeping, VAT, and tax filings — fully compliant, stress-free, and on time.
More About Understanding Frence Accounting and Tax
Do I need a French accountant?
Yes — if your business operates in France as a French legal entity (for example, a SARL, SAS, or even a micro-entreprise) and provides services within French territory, you are required to maintain French-compliant accounting, and in most cases, you will need a licensed French accountant (“expert-comptable”) to manage it. In all events, we recommend that you verify this obligation by speaking with a French accountant or lawyer — at FrenchCo.Lawyer, we provide you with tailored legal advice to help ensure your business remains fully compliant in France.
What accounting documents are required?
You’ll need invoices, bank statements, payroll records, and supporting documents for each transaction to prepare your balance sheet, profit and loss, and tax returns.
How often do I need to file taxes?
Most companies file VAT returns monthly or quarterly, and corporate tax once a year. Social charges and declarations follow separate schedules depending on your activity.
Can you manage everything remotely?
Absolutely. Our bilingual accountants handle bookkeeping, filings, and communication with French authorities online, wherever you are based.
What are the typical costs?
Costs depend on your business size and complexity, but our packages offer transparent, predictable fees with no hidden extras
Do you assist with tax optimization?
Yes. We analyze your structure, expenses, and remuneration strategy to minimize taxes while staying fully compliant.
Can you handle both accounting and legal filings?
Yes. Our integrated lawyers and accountants manage both your financial and legal obligations, from annual reports to regulatory declarations.
What financial records are required?
Invoices, payroll, and bank statements form the core of your accounting files, supporting annual financial statements and declarations.
