Property tax (taxe foncière) is a local tax in France that applies to property owners, whether the property is a primary residence, secondary residence, or rental property. For elderly individuals, there are specific exemptions and reductions available under certain conditions. Here’s an overview of the main exemptions that seniors may qualify for:
1. Full Exemption for Individuals Aged 75 and Over
Individuals who are 75 years old or older on January 1 of the tax year may qualify for a full property tax exemption, but this comes with specific conditions:
- Income Requirement: Their reference tax income (Revenu Fiscal de Référence, or RFR) must be below an annually defined threshold. This threshold varies based on the taxpayer’s household composition and location. In 2023, the threshold for a single person was €11,885 in Zone A.
- Primary Residence Requirement: They must reside in the property as their primary home, whether as owners or usufructuaries.
- No Wealth Tax: They must not be subject to the Wealth Tax on Real Estate (Impôt sur la Fortune Immobilière, or IFI).
2. Exemption for Recipients of Certain Benefits
Individuals over 65 who don’t meet the full exemption criteria may qualify for partial exemption if they receive certain government benefits:
- Solidarity Allowance for the Elderly (ASPA): Formerly known as the minimum old-age pension, this allowance is granted to retirees with low income.
- Supplementary Disability Allowance (ASI): While intended for individuals under 60, those who continue to receive ASI after reaching this age can still qualify for the exemption.
3. €100 Reduction for Individuals Aged 65 to 75
Individuals aged between 65 and 75 on January 1 of the tax year can receive a €100 reduction on their property tax if their income remains below a specific threshold. The criteria for this reduction are similar to those for full exemption.
4. Tax Cap for Low-Income Individuals
For property owners who do not meet the full exemption criteria, there is a property tax cap available to low-income taxpayers. This cap limits the property tax to 50% of the household’s reference tax income, with the excess being covered by the government. The income threshold for this cap also depends on the household’s composition.
5. How to Apply
Most of these exemptions are automatically applied by the tax authorities if individuals qualify, but in case of uncertainty, it’s advisable to contact the local tax office to confirm eligibility.
Conclusion
These property tax exemptions and reductions allow elderly individuals to receive tax relief based on their age, income, and eligibility for certain government benefits. It’s essential to verify income conditions annually, as income thresholds are subject to change.
My-Homeblog, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, november 2024
