Taxe Foncière (Local Land Tax)

This tax is payable on all French "freehold" property whether or not the owner is in occupation. The demand for this tax is usually received in the autumn when the deadline for the payment will be specified. When a buyer purchases the "freehold" of a property it is standard practice on completion to reimburse the vendor pro rata for any Taxe Fonciere paid by him but not notionally used up.

The apportionment is made by the notaire at completion time provided, however, that such apportionment is stipulated in the promesse de vente or the compromis (ie the preliminary contract). The tax fonciere consists of two parts, namely, a levy on the land and one on the buildings standing on the land, if any. Consequently any improvement to buildings must be notified to the authorities as it will have an incidence on future tax bills.