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Last Updated: February 12, 2024
As Americans residing in France, we have a fiscal responsibility to file taxes annually in our host country as well as in the United States. Mark your calendars! Here are this year’s key income tax filing dates, deadlines, and extensions for US citizens living in France.
Please note that this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. I cannot advise you on how to file your taxes in France. Please contact the French tax office or a tax professional if you have any questions regarding your specific tax situation.
US Expat Tax Dates
The US tax year follows the calendar year from January 1 to December 31. The tax deadlines and due dates can vary slightly from year to year if the dates fall on a weekend or on a holiday.
Note: The United States follows a citizenship-based tax system. This means that even if you are living in France and paying French taxes, you may still be required to file a US income tax return.
January 29, 2024—Start Date of the US Tax Filing Season
I don’t know who is submitting their tax returns this early… For any of you early birds out there, the IRS begins officially accepting and processing tax returns on January 29 this year.
April 15, 2024—US Tax Payment Deadline
If you owe any US income taxes, they are due by April 15, 2024. Otherwise, if you do not pay by this deadline, interest will be charged on taxes owed.
Note: The standard tax deadline for Americans everywhere is April 15. However, when the regular date falls on a holiday or a weekend, the deadline is pushed by a couple of days.
June 17, 2024—US Tax Filing Deadline for American Expats
If you are a US citizen living abroad, you are granted an automatic 2-month extension to file your federal tax return. To use this special extension, include a statement with your tax return explaining why you qualify.
Note: If you owe any taxes, the tax payment deadline above still applies!
October 15, 2024—Additional Filing Extension for American Expats
If you are a US citizen living abroad and you are unable to file your tax return by the 2-month extended deadline, you can request an additional extension to October 15. Apply for this extension by filling out Form 4868 before the automatic 2-month extension date.
October 15, 2024—FBAR Deadline
The FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) is an annual report that is filed separately from your US federal tax return. Technically, it’s due on the standard tax filing date, but there is an extension to October 15 which is available for everyone. This extension is automatic; there is no need to file a request.
France Tax Dates
The French tax year follows the calendar year from January 1 to December 31.
Tax deadlines vary slightly every year and are announced in early spring, typically by March. If you are submitting your tax declaration electronically, the deadlines are staggered based on the department where you live.
Départements in France are designated by two numbers and they correspond to the first two digits that appear in your zip code. For example, if you live in Paris, your postcode is 75XXX, so the department is 75.
Note: If you are a fiscal resident of France, you are expected to file income tax returns, even if you have no revenue to declare.
April 2024—Start Date of the French Tax Filing Season
The online platform to submit your income tax declaration opens. In France, it is required to file online. However, there are always exceptions…
May 2024—French Income Tax Deadline for Paper Returns
If you are unable to submit your déclaration des revenus online due to not having a numéro fiscal (French tax number) because it’s your first tax return or not having access to the Internet, you can submit a paper tax form through the mail. The deadline for postal returns is earlier than if you were filing online.
May 2024—French Income Tax Deadline for Zone 1
This is the online deadline for Zone 1, which encompasses departments 01-19.
June 2024—French Income Tax Deadline for Zone 2
This is the online deadline for Zone 2, which encompasses departments 20-54, including 2A & 2B.
June 2024—French Income Tax Deadline for Zone 3
This is the online deadline for Zone 3, which encompasses departments 55-974/976.
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