French Corporate VAT Registration and VAT Compliance for Non Eu Based Companies
The French VAT system is one of the most complex systems in Europe. Foreign companies doing business in France are subject to both French corporate tax and VAT laws. This can be a difficult situation for non-EU-based companies that are not familiar with the French rules.
This article will provide you with an overview of the key aspects of French Corporate Tax, including what taxes multinational corporations need to pay, which exemptions apply, and how profits should be reported to authorities.
We will also discuss some other important topics related to foreign corporations doing business in France, such as their obligation to register for VAT compliance purposes and how they can benefit from this process.
French legislation recently approved will change rules for a range of foreign companies. This concerns foreign companies selling products and services into France from outside [distance selling]. It applies to conventional and online sales.
New Rules for Non-EU Based Companies
New legislation will impact a range of Non-EU Based Companies engaged in selling products into France. Currently Non-EU Based companies selling into France are required to register in all cases i.e. whatever their turnover annually.
However, Non-EU Based companies often opt to sell products into France indirectly via an EU country. Companies following that course will now be required to register where their turnover in respect of French sales exceeds 35 K Euros, instead of 100 K Euros previously.
The new legislation came into effect as of January 1, 2016.
Fiscal Representation
Non-EU Based Companies must mandatorily designate a fiscal representative in respect of their French sales activity.
The French fiscal representative can afford substantial value:
- Helps ensure compliance with law and rules
- Helps with the correct and timely preparation of necessary documentation
- Enhances understanding of the process to be used
- Keeps companies aware and abreast of ongoing changes
- Provides representations needed or desirable
- Provides support across the full range of administrative actions entailed in compliance
- Helps ensure self-confidence in corporate good standing
Elitax VAT Registration Service
VAT registration for non-EU-based companies is no easy task. In fact, companies often find themselves overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork required.
That is why, at elitax, we have created a special VAT registration service for companies that are located outside EU territory but planning to do business in France. We know all there is to know about French tax law and can help your company properly register with authorities without delay or hassle.
If you would like to find out more about our services, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Here’s what we do:
- Ensure your company complies with the relevant French VAT law and regulations
- Facilitate the initial step of your VAT registration
- Manage your relations, submissions, and correspondence with the relevant French national and local administrations
What VAT Compliance Entails
Compliance for Non-EU-Based companies entails:
- After registration for VAT in France is made by a tax representative on their behalf, the VAT charged on their sales is due in France, while the VAT
- They must submit monthly VAT Declaration forms when the total of their annual VAT payable in France is over 15 000 €
- If below, then they are allowed to file quarterly
- They must also pay monthly or quarterly VAT to the French Tax Administration
Elitax VAT Compliance Service
Staying compliant with VAT law is an ongoing task that can be difficult to manage on your own. That’s why elitax offers a comprehensive VAT compliance service that will take the burden off of your shoulders and help you maintain a good relationship with French authorities. Here’s how we can help:
- Ensure your company complies with the relevant French VAT law and regulations
- Coordinate and process all your VAT returns – monthly or quarterly VAT returns and make sure that the VAT amount is paid on due time (to avoid not fines and interest of arrears)
- Manage your relations, submissions, and correspondence with the relevant French national and local administrations
- Handle all communications from these authorities to your company in respect of VAT, including tax audits
Elitax VAT Registration Service Fees
We understand that VAT registration can be a costly process, which is why Elitax offers competitive rates for our services. For more information on pricing, please contact us at any time.
Our fees are Contingent upon the volume and scope of sales into France. We offer package deals for the full-service of compliance spectrum.
How to Work With Elitax?
Elitax is currently welcoming indications of interest from companies in retaining us to assist in compliance with the new French tax regime. Here are the steps you need to take:
- The first step is signing a fiscal representation (agent) contract with us
- The following step is to submit VAT registration for a company
- To do so, we need at a minimum an expression of interest, preferably in written form, to Elitax:
- Email can be sent to Elitax vat@elitax.com
- Alternatively phone calls can be made to 00 33 (0)1 43 71 10 05
- Mail can also be addressed to Elitax – 19 Quai de la Seine 75019 Paris, France.
- To help us gain a better appreciation of your situation, please fill out this form Contact Us Today
The Importance of Timing
The VAT registration process requires 3 weeks to 5 weeks, depending on the tax authorities’ rhythm. This means that it is important to file the application for VAT registration as soon as possible.
In order to avoid long waiting periods, we recommend contacting a tax representative as soon as possible. This will ensure a smooth and timely registration process.
Why Choose Elitax?
Elitax is a leading accounting and tax firm that has been operating in France for more than 15 years. We have helped many companies from the US, UK, Canada, China to work with French authorities as compliantly as possible.
Our service offering is comprehensive and includes:
- VAT registration in France
- Fiscal representation (agent) contract
- Monthly or quarterly VAT declaration filing
- Payment of monthly/quarterly VAT to the French Tax Administration
For more information on our services, please do not hesitate to contact on +33 (0)970 44 45 46 to book an appointment with one of our bilingual tax experts.
Let us help you with the French tax systems
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Thank you Elitax for providing such a no fuss, friendly and efficient service. We have used Elitax for 3 years now and would not hesitate to recommend them.
John Batchelor
ELITAX has been fundamental as our tax consultants our expatriated personnel to our day to day operations.