Legal news

Is there a provision stipulating that, after a certain number of extensions of deadlines in connection with bankruptcy proceedings, a new (final) extension can only be granted with the consent of the public prosecutor?

Bankruptcy proceedings are governed by precise rules designed to ensure their efficiency and speed. Article L. 643-9 of the Commercial Code provides that the court sets a deadline for assessing the conclusion of the proceedings, with the possibility of extending this deadline if necessary. The question concerns the number of possible extensions and the specific conditions for a final extension requiring the consent of the public prosecutor.

According to Article L. 643-9, paragraph 2, of the Commercial Code, a bankruptcy is concluded when there are no longer any due obligations, or when the trustee has sufficient funds to cover the creditors, or when the continuation of the bankruptcy proceedings becomes impossible due to insufficient assets.

Article L. 643-9, paragraph 1, of the Commercial Code states that “the judgment opening or pronouncing the bankruptcy (…) sets the deadline within which the conclusion of the proceedings must be assessed. If the conclusion cannot be pronounced before the expiry of this deadline, the court may extend the deadline by a reasoned decision.”

Although this provision aims to ensure speed, it does not specify a precise deadline by which the bankruptcy proceedings must be concluded. It therefore appears that the provision primarily aims to delimit the conduct of the proceedings by allowing the court to impose a deadline on the trustee for performing their duties; the extension of such a deadline is considered an administrative judicial measure and cannot be challenged in court.

Legal framework

Article L. 643-9 of the Commercial Code begins with a paragraph that almost reads as a principle: “In the judgment opening or pronouncing the bankruptcy, the court sets the deadline within which the conclusion of the proceedings must be assessed. If the conclusion cannot be pronounced before the expiry of this deadline, the court may extend the deadline by a reasoned decision.”

This provision, introduced by the rescue law to ensure speed, does not specify a maximum deadline for the conclusion of the proceedings. (“Clôture de la procédure,” Jocelyne Vallansan, professor extraordinary service at the Court of Cassation, Center for Private Law Research, University of Caen-Normandie).

It only requires the court to anticipate the conclusion by giving the trustee a deadline to perform their task, and the extension has been classified as an administrative judicial measure and therefore cannot be challenged in court (Court of Cassation, Commercial Chamber, July 9, 2013, No. 12 13.193).

Simplified bankruptcy procedure

Article L. 644-5 – simplified bankruptcy procedure – is a separate procedure: “The court shall conclude the bankruptcy no later than six months from the decision imposing or deciding the application of the simplified procedure, after the debtor has been heard or properly summoned. This deadline is extended to one year when the number of the debtor’s employees and their turnover excluding VAT exceeds thresholds set by decree.”

The court may, by a specially reasoned judgment, extend the procedure for a period not exceeding three months. Case law confirms the application of Article L. 643-9 regarding extensions of deadlines.

Case law

For example, in a case dealt with by the Court of Cassation on July 9, 2013, the court had originally set a deadline for assessing the conclusion of the proceedings for October 7, 2010, before it was extended to October 7, 2012, by a reasoned decision. This extension decision was considered an administrative judicial measure and cannot be challenged in court.

Similarly, the Court of Cassation clarified in a judgment of November 7, 2018, that the extension of the deadline for assessing the conclusion, made under paragraph 1 of Article L. 643-9, is an administrative judicial measure that cannot be challenged in court. By contrast, decisions rejecting a request for conclusion based on the other paragraphs of Article L. 643-9 may be appealed.

Analysis of the judgment of 05/12/2025 (Commercial Court of Aix-en-Provence)

The bankruptcy proceedings for DL GROUP (SAS) were opened by the Commercial Court of Aix-en-Provence on September 7, 2023.

As of December 5, 2025, the liquidation work had not yet been completed, and the court found that the conclusion could not be pronounced. It therefore decided to extend the deadline for assessing the conclusion of the proceedings and set a new court date for December 4, 2026. The same date was set for the submission of the creditors’ claims list to ensure that all affected parties were taken into account.

This extension is based on Article L. 643-9 of the Commercial Code, which allows the court to extend the assessment deadline when the conclusion cannot take place within the originally set deadline.

Each extension must be reasoned and constitutes an administrative judicial measure, which cannot be challenged in court.

The duration of the extension of almost one year indicates that this is an ordinary bankruptcy, not a simplified procedure, where the deadlines are significantly shorter.

Conclusion

Under Article L. 643-9 of the Commercial Code, the court has the authority to extend the deadline for assessing the conclusion of a bankruptcy procedure by a reasoned decision when the conclusion cannot take place by the expiry of the originally set deadline.

This extension constitutes an administrative judicial measure and cannot be challenged in court. The duration of the extension is not legally limited but must be justified by specific circumstances, such as:

• the presence of pending lawsuits that may affect the company’s obligations;
• insufficient assets to cover creditors;
• or other difficulties preventing an immediate conclusion of the proceedings.

Case law confirms these principles and provides concrete examples of their application. Neither Article L. 643-9 nor case law sets a maximum number of extensions. The law only requires that each extension be justified, meaning that the trustee must document the necessity of extending the proceedings.

Kind regards
Cabinet Nicolas BRAHIN
Advokatfirma i NICE, Lawyers in NIC
Camilla Nissen MICHELIS
Assistante – Traductrice
1, Rue Louis Gassin – 06300 NICE (FRANCE)
Tel : +33 493 830 876 / Fax : +33 493 181 437
Camilla.nissen.michelis@brahin-avocats.com
www.brahin-avocats.com

Regulation of International Succession for EU and Non-EU Nationals

Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, applicable since 17 August 2015, governs the vast majority of international successions connected with the European Union, in order to prevent their fragmentation between several conflicting national legal systems.

In particular, it determines jurisdiction, the law applicable to the succession as a whole, the recognition and enforcement of foreign decisions, and the use of the European Certificate of Succession.

Pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, the central rule is, in principle, the application of the law of the State in which the deceased had his or her habitual residence at the time of death.

According to Recitals 23 and 24 of Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, habitual residence is not defined by a purely administrative criterion, but by a set of factors — such as the centre of family life, the duration and stability of presence, social and economic ties, and the intention to settle there permanently — making it possible to identify the true centre of the deceased’s life.

Regulation (EU) No 650/2012 also provides, exceptionally, a genuine “safety valve”: even if the deceased resided in one State, the applicable law may be that of another State if it is manifestly more closely connected with the deceased.

This exception, rare but significant, may apply in cases of very recent expatriation, prolonged hospitalisation abroad, professional activity mainly carried out in a country other than the apparent domicile, or where the deceased’s economic interests were concentrated elsewhere.

Article 22 of Regulation (EU) No 650/2012 introduces a strategic mechanism known as professio juris, allowing a person to choose in advance the law that will govern his or her succession, provided that it is the law of a State whose nationality he or she possesses.

This choice ensures legal certainty in estate planning, prevents conflicts between heirs, guarantees the stability of testamentary dispositions, and avoids being subject to an unwanted foreign law — for example, a British national living in France may opt for English law so that his or her succession is governed by common law rather than by the French forced heirship regime.

According to Recitals 83 and 84, Regulation (EU) No 650/2012 does not apply to certain countries, such as the United Kingdom (post-Brexit), the United States, Switzerland, Morocco, or certain Sub-Saharan African countries that do not follow a civil law tradition.

Nevertheless, it may interact with these States through the mechanism of renvoi — where foreign law refers back to the law of an EU Member State — through their internal conflict-of-law rules, or through the application of French public policy principles.

1. Regulation of International Succession for EU Nationals

In its “community” dimension, Regulation (EU) No 650/2012 covers all civil aspects of succession, whether testate (will, succession agreement) or intestate (in the absence of a will), thereby ensuring a comprehensive and harmonised approach.

It guarantees the unity of the succession: in principle, a single law applies to all assets, movable and immovable, regardless of their location.

The primary connecting factor is the habitual residence of the deceased at the time of death, while Article 22 of Regulation (EU) No 650/2012 allows any citizen to choose the law of his or her State of nationality to govern the succession (professio juris).

The Regulation also promotes the mutual recognition of court decisions and authentic instruments, which circulate freely between Member States without complex procedures.

Finally, pursuant to Article 63 of Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, the European Certificate of Succession (ECS) creates a uniform document enabling heirs, legatees, or executors to prove their status and rights in any EU Member State.

2. Regulation of International Succession for Non-EU Nationals

Certain matters and situations remain governed by national laws or international conventions and therefore fall outside the strictly community framework of the Regulation.

Among the major material exclusions, according to Recital 10 of Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, are taxation matters, as well as customs and administrative issues, which remain entirely subject to national law for the calculation and payment of inheritance taxes.

Matrimonial property regimes are also excluded: only their liquidation is taken into account in determining the estate, while the specific rules governing marriage and marriage contracts do not fall within the scope of the Regulation.

Other areas outside its scope include civil status matters, maintenance obligations (except those arising by reason of death), trusts, and company law.

The geographical limits and international interactions of Regulation (EU) No 650/2012 demonstrate that, despite its objective of unifying succession law within the European Union, its application remains subject to exceptions related to non-participating jurisdictions, third States, and existing international conventions.

The Regulation does not apply to all EU Member States: Denmark and Ireland do not participate and are therefore not bound by its provisions.

With regard to third States, where the law of a non-EU country is designated as applicable, mechanisms such as renvoi may apply, taking into account the private international law rules of that State, unless the deceased expressly chose that law.

In matters of registers and rights in rem, the registration of property in land registers remains subject to the law of the State in which the property is located (lex rei sitae).

If a foreign right in rem does not exist in the State where the property is situated, it must be adapted to the closest equivalent right under national law.

Finally, the Regulation does not affect international conventions to which Member States were already parties at the time of its adoption, such as the 1961 Hague Convention on the Conflicts of Laws Relating to the Form of Testamentary Dispositions.

Cabinet Nicolas BRAHIN
Advokatfirma i NICE, Lawyers in NICE
Camilla Nissen MICHELIS
Assistante – Traductrice
1, Rue Louis Gassin – 06300 NICE (FRANCE)
Tel : +33 493 830 876 / Fax : +33 493 181 437
Camilla.nissen.michelis@brahin-avocats.com
www.brahin-avocats.com

Important information regarding the 2026 Finance Act

I would like to share some important information with you regarding the 2026 Finance Act, which introduces an annual tax of 20% of the market value of certain non-business assets held through wealth-holding companies.

In our region, where many properties are subject to corporate ownership structures (second homes, family properties held through holding companies, older wealth structures), this issue may concern more cases than it may initially appear.

For properties for which the partners reserve the right of personal use, the market value will become the basis for a potentially very significant tax charge.

Two key points should therefore be anticipated:

• a well-reasoned determination of the market value as of the end of 2026;
• verification or determination of a consistent market rental value.

These are precisely the areas where our law firm can assist and support you.

Our firm can help you assess your situation with peace of mind and ensure the legal and tax valuation of your assets in France.

Kind regards
Cabinet Nicolas BRAHIN
Advokatfirma i NICE, Lawyers in NIC
Camilla Nissen MICHELIS
Assistante – Traductrice
1, Rue Louis Gassin – 06300 NICE (FRANCE)
Tel : +33 493 830 876 / Fax : +33 493 181 437
Camilla.nissen.michelis@brahin-avocats.com
www.brahin-avocats.com

Finance Act for 2026: What Changes for Individuals

The Finance Act for 2026 was adopted on 19 February 2026: adjustment of the income tax scale, introduction of a tax on small parcels, and the “Relance logement” (housing recovery) programme.

Here are the main measures.

Taxes

Adjustment of the income tax scale

The Finance Act for 2026 adjusts the income tax scale in line with inflation (+0.9%) in order to neutralise its impact on households’ tax burden.

Retention of the 10% allowance on pensions

Article 6 of the draft Finance Bill for 2026 proposed abolishing the 10% allowance on pensions when calculating income tax and replacing it with a fixed allowance of €2,000. The adopted Finance Act for 2026 cancels this measure and maintains this tax benefit.

Extension of the differential tax on high incomes (CDHR)

The differential tax on high incomes, introduced in 2025, is extended by the Finance Act for 2026. This tax aims to ensure a minimum taxation rate of 20% for the wealthiest taxpayers until the public deficit falls below 3% of GDP.

The differential rate applies to households with taxable income in 2025 exceeding:

• €250,000 for a single person
• €500,000 for a couple

Introduction of a tax on holding companies with large assets

The Finance Act for 2026 introduces a tax on holding companies with large assets, with a narrower scope than originally proposed. Initially set at 2% of assets not linked to economic activity, the measure has been amended and now applies only to the market value of certain “luxury assets” not related to business activity, such as yachts, collector cars, racehorses, and jewellery.

The following assets are excluded from the tax base:

• Cash
• Financial instruments
• Active shareholdings
• Works of art

The tax rate is 20% for financial years ending on or after 31 December 2026. The tax applies to holding companies controlled by individuals with assets of at least €5 million.

Doubling of the deduction ceiling for the “Coluche” scheme

The Finance Act for 2026 promotes charitable giving by increasing the tax reduction for donations. The ceiling for donations to public-interest organisations is raised from €1,000 to €2,000 per year, while the 75% tax reduction is maintained.

This applies to donations made at the end of 2025 for the 2026 tax return.

Consumption

Introduction of a tax on small parcels

The Finance Act for 2026 introduces a so-called “small parcel tax” of €2 per item to address competition from e-commerce platforms.

It comes into force on 1 March 2026 and applies to parcels:

• Valued under €150
• Coming from countries outside the European Union

Housing

Introduction of the “Relance logement” programme

The Finance Act for 2026 introduces a new tax scheme for individuals aimed at stimulating the supply of rental housing. The programme runs for three years and covers apartments in multi-unit buildings across the country:

• New-build properties
• Existing properties, provided that renovation works amounting to at least 30% of the property’s value are carried out

To participate, landlords must commit to renting the property as a primary residence (excluding close family members) for nine years and comply with a rent cap.

In return, the landlord may deduct from rental income:

• A portion of the purchase price (up to €12,000 per year)
• All rental-related expenses (renovation works, loan interest, property tax) up to €10,700

Support and Funding

Increase in the activity bonus (prime d’activité)

The Finance Act increases the average activity bonus by €50 per month per recipient. The benefit supplements the income of low-paid workers and encourages taking up or continuing employment for people over 18. The amount is calculated based on household composition and income.

Reopening of MaPrimeRénov’

The absence of a budget vote at the end of 2025 led to the suspension of MaPrimeRénov’. The adoption of the Finance Act for 2026 allows the scheme to fully reopen for all households under the same conditions as in 2025.

A prior appointment at a France Rénov’ advice centre is mandatory before applying.

MaPrimeRénov’ is the main state aid scheme for the energy renovation of houses and apartment buildings.

The aid is available to:

• Owner-occupiers
• Landlords
• Usufruct holders
• Holders of a real right of use
• Co-owners, provided all co-owners sign a sworn statement designating the applicant as responsible for the works

The following are not eligible:

• Bare owners without usufruct rights
• Legal entities

It is also possible to apply during a property purchase process with a preliminary sales agreement. Proof of ownership must be provided to receive the grant.

Reopening of other support schemes

The adoption of the Finance Act for 2026 enables the gradual reopening of the following schemes, which had been closed since 1 January 2026:

• Ma Prime Logement Décent
• Ma PrimeAdapt’
• Loc’Avantages

Revision of social benefits

The Finance Act for 2026 adjusts social benefits in line with inflation (+0.9%) from 1 April 2026. This concerns:

• RSA — increased to €653.33 per month
• AAH — increased to €1,042.62 per month
• APL — amount depends on household circumstances
• Family allowances — amount varies depending on household situation

Driving licence financing

Financing of preparation for light vehicle driving licence categories (A1, A2, B1, B) via the Personal Training Account (CPF) is now limited to unemployed individuals or employed persons receiving third-party funding.

In addition, the apprenticeship grant previously intended to finance driving licences is abolished.

Med venlig hilsen / Kind regards
Cabinet Nicolas BRAHIN
Advokatfirma i NICE, Lawyers in NIC
Camilla Nissen MICHELIS
Assistante – Traductrice
1, Rue Louis Gassin – 06300 NICE (FRANCE)
Tel : +33 493 830 876 / Fax : +33 493 181 437
Camilla.nissen.michelis@brahin-avocats.com
www.brahin-avocats.com

Introduction

No adjustment of the income tax scale, higher interest rate on PEL savings accounts, a change in the calculation method for energy performance certificates (DPE) in favor of electric heating, an increase in the minimum wage (Smic)… Find out what will change for you at the start of 2026.

Tax and Finance

Manual gifts and cash gifts: reporting must now be done online

From 1 January 2026, the reporting of manual gifts (cash, movable property – works of art, jewelry, cars, etc. – shares) between private individuals must be carried out exclusively online, with certain exceptions, via the Tax Authority’s digital service on impots.gouv.fr in the personal user area.

PEL: increase in interest rate

Housing Savings Plans (PEL) opened from 1 January 2026 will earn interest at a rate of 2%, compared with 1.75% for plans opened as of 1 January 2025.

Please note that the interest rate is fixed at the time the account is opened.

Change in the statutory interest rate

The statutory interest rate is used to calculate late payment penalties owed to a creditor. The rates applicable for the first half of 2026 were set by decree on 15 December and published in the Official Journal on 26 December 2025. They apply from 1 January 2026.

Gradual ban on “forever chemicals” in certain products

From 1 January 2026, the manufacture, import, export, and marketing of the following products containing PFAS will be prohibited:

• cosmetics,
• ski wax,
• clothing, footwear, and their waterproofing treatments (excluding protective clothing, such as for the military and firefighters).

This measure aims to protect the population and the environment from risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Green and Energy Transition

Energy Performance Certificate (DPE): new calculation method for electrically heated homes

The calculation of the energy performance certificate (DPE) will change from 1 January 2026. A decree of 13 August 2025 adjusts the electricity conversion coefficient.

This change will improve the energy rating of certain electrically heated homes. No home will receive a worse rating.

All DPEs and energy audits issued from 1 January 2026 will automatically use the new coefficient. Documents issued in 2025 and earlier will remain valid and can be updated free of charge, without a new visit from the energy assessor, via the Ademe DPE-Audit Observatory website.

In addition, the “Climate and Resilience” law makes energy performance certification mandatory for all apartment buildings from 1 January 2026 for condominium associations with fewer than 50 housing units.

Support for the purchase of electric vehicles: higher amounts for households

In 2025, the “electric vehicle bonus scheme” replaced the former environmental bonus.

The government has announced continued support in 2026 for the purchase of new electric vehicles through the Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) scheme.

The aid may reach (indicative amounts):

• €5,700 for financially vulnerable households,
• €4,700 for low-income households,
• €3,500 for other households.

An additional bonus for vehicles with batteries produced in Europe may amount to between €1,200 and €2,000.

Income thresholds for the low-income and energy-poverty categories are also being raised.

Registration tax (“malus”)

The “malus tax” includes two taxes on certain passenger vehicles:

• weight tax (“mass malus”),
• CO₂ tax (“CO₂ malus”).

From 1 January 2026, the CO₂ tax will apply from 108 g CO₂/km, and the maximum tax will be set at €80,000 above 191 g CO₂/km.

The weight tax is also changing, with a new threshold of 1.5 tonnes.

In addition, N1-type vehicles classified as “trucks,” off-road vehicles, and those with at least five seats are now also subject to both taxes.

PAR+ loan: new income thresholds

The interest-free “advance mutation” loan (PAR+) is used to finance energy renovation works in private homes. Income thresholds are updated as of 1 January 2026.

Credit

Change in usury rate ceilings for home loans

From 1 January 2026, the maximum legal APR (annual percentage rate) ceilings for mortgage loans will change.

Benefits and Allowances

Increase in the Smic (minimum wage)

From 1 January 2026, the Smic will increase by 1.18%:

• gross hourly wage: €12.02 (compared with €11.88 in 2025),
• gross monthly wage (full-time): €1,823.03 (compared with €1,801.80 in 2025).

Social security ceiling increased by 2%

The annual social security ceiling (PASS) is set at €48,060 (compared with €47,100 in 2025), and the monthly ceiling at €4,005 (compared with €3,925), representing a 2% increase.

Increase in pensions and social minimum benefits

Basic pensions, certain minimum pensions, and social benefits will increase by 0.9% from 1 January 2026.

New additional parental leave

From 1 January 2026, an additional parental leave of 1 or 2 months will be introduced, at the parents’ choice, with the possibility of splitting it and with daily allowances set by decree.

Both parents may use this scheme from 1 July 2026. It applies to children born or adopted from 1 January 2026.

Suspension of the pension reform

The 2026 Social Security Financing Act suspends the accelerated pension reform of 2023. The retirement age will increase more slowly for the 1961–1968 generations and for long careers. The changes will apply from September 2026.

Other Changes

Increase in postage rates

Postal and parcel rates will increase by an average of 7.4% from 1 January 2026:

• Green letter: from €1.39 to €1.52,
• Services Plus letter: from €3.15 to €3.47,
• Registered letter R1 (20 g): from €5.74 to €6.11,
• International letter (0–20 g): from €2.10 to €2.25.

Tax and Income

No adjustment of the income tax scale

As the 2026 Finance Act was not adopted before the end of 2025, the tax scale is not adjusted. Withholding tax rates in January 2026 remain unchanged.

2025 tax scale for 2024 income (one tax share)

• Up to €11,497: 0%
• €11,498 – €29,315: 11%
• €29,316 – €83,823: 30%
• €83,824 – €180,294: 41%
• Over €180,294: 45%

Cap on the family quotient tax benefit

The tax advantage per additional half share is capped at:

• €1,791 per half share,
• €896 per quarter share.

The tax authorities compare two calculations to determine whether the cap applies.

End of the special tax on high incomes

The differential high-income contribution (CDHR), introduced in 2025, ends on 31 December 2025.

End of the tax credit for electric vehicle charging stations

The tax credit of up to 75% (maximum €500) for the installation of charging stations ends on 31 December 2025, due to the absence of a 2026 Finance Act.

Kind regards
Cabinet Nicolas BRAHIN
Lawyers in NICE
Camilla Nissen MICHELIS
1, Rue Louis Gassin – 06300 NICE (FRANCE)
Tel : +33 493 830 876 / Fax : +33 493 181 437
Camilla.nissen.michelis@brahin-avocats.com
www.brahin-avocats.com

Here is an overview of document retention periods.

Why Should You Keep Your Personal Documents?

The purpose of keeping personal documents is to be able to prove the existence of a right or compliance with an obligation. Retention periods vary depending on the type of document and the legislation or use to which it is subject.

Some administrative documents must be kept for life, while others have shorter retention periods set by law.

Please note that the periods mentioned in this article are recommended retention periods. You may, of course, choose to keep documents for longer.

How Long Should You Keep Your Documents?

Documents Related to Your Family Situation and Education

Documents relating to family law matters should generally be kept permanently, in particular:

• civil status certificates (full copies and extracts),
• divorce or adoption judgments,
• marriage contracts and civil partnership agreements (PACS),
• family record books,
• exam certificates and diplomas,
• medical examinations (e.g. X-rays).

Documents Related to Insurance and Banking

In insurance matters, receipts, due notices, and cancellation letters must be kept for at least two years from the document date, as must insurance contracts.

For banking documents, cheques must be cashed no later than one year and eight days after issuance.

Bank statements and cheque stubs must be kept for five years.

Receipts for card payments and withdrawals should be kept until you receive the bank statement showing the corresponding balance.

Your Bills

Electricity, gas, and water bills must be kept for five years, which corresponds to the period allowed to dispute a bill with the supplier.

It is recommended to keep landline, mobile phone, and internet subscription bills for at least one year.

Bills for household appliances (dishwasher, refrigerator, television) should be kept at least until the warranty period expires, as should warranty certificates.

For health-related documents, bills from public hospitals must be kept for four years and from private hospitals for two years. Reimbursement statements from health and maternity insurance should be kept for at least two years.

Documents Related to Your Home

Proof of payment of condominium fees, correspondence with the property manager, and minutes of general meetings must be kept for five years.

Rent receipts, lease agreements, and check-in and check-out inspection reports must be kept for three years after the end of the lease. These periods apply to both unfurnished and furnished rentals.

A deed of sale or title of ownership, however, must be kept permanently.

Documents Related to Your Professional Activity

Payslips, employment contracts, and work certificates must be kept until retirement.

Certificates from France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi) must be kept for two years from the date of registration as a job seeker.

Final settlement statements, proof of unemployment benefit payments, or expense reports must be kept for three years. These documents are useful when calculating pension rights.

Note:
Private employers must keep employees’ payslips, employment contracts, and any declaration of workplace accidents to health insurance for five years.

Other documents, such as working time records or tax certificates, must be kept for three years.

Documents Related to Your Taxes

Tax returns, tax assessments, and supporting documents used for taxation must be kept for three years from the year following the income year.

Property taxes and local taxes (e.g. housing tax on secondary residences) must be kept for one year.

Retention Period for Documents Related to Your Business

Books, registers, documents, or supporting records that the tax authorities may request must be kept for six years.

The period is calculated from one of the following dates:

• the last transaction recorded in the books or registers,
• the date the documents were issued.

Example:
Documents relating to income for 2018, declared in 2019, must be kept until the end of 2024.

Overview of Retention Periods for Tax Documents

Warning:
The retention period is extended to 10 years in cases of concealed activity (tax fraud, undeclared work, failure to declare, illegal activity, etc.).

Social Documents Related to Your Business

Personnel Administration

In What Format Should You Keep Your Personal Documents?

Are you unsure whether to keep your documents in paper or digital form? Do both formats have the same legal value?

It depends on how the document was delivered:

• if it was received digitally (by email or download), it may be kept digitally;
• if it was received in paper form (in person or by post), the original must be kept. A scan is considered only a copy, and the original may be required later.

Taxpayers may also digitize their paper bills upon sending or receipt and store them electronically until the end of the tax retention period (six years).

Med venlig hilsen / Kind regards
Cabinet Nicolas BRAHIN
Advokatfirma i NICE, Lawyers in NIC
Camilla Nissen MICHELIS
Assistante – Traductrice
1, Rue Louis Gassin – 06300 NICE (FRANCE)
Tel : +33 493 830 876 / Fax : +33 493 181 437
Camilla.nissen.michelis@brahin-avocats.com
www.brahin-avocats.com