France 2025 Changes for Freelancers: Tax, AirBnB, VAT.

Summary

This video provides essential guidance for entrepreneurs and experts moving to France, focusing on business registration, tax considerations, and the complexities of navigating the INPI platform. It emphasizes the importance of thoughtful planning, avoiding mistakes during the registration process, and ensuring correct choices regarding business activity and tax codes. The video also highlights the challenges of updating business details and the need for careful consideration before launching or altering business setups. Viewers are encouraged to stay informed and cautious to ensure smooth business operations in France.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prepare in advance: Start at least one month before exceeding the VAT threshold to ensure everything is in place for your business.
• 😀 Book a power hour: A one-hour consultation can help you understand the rules and set up your business correctly when you approach the VAT threshold.
• 😀 Central hub for business registration: INPI now consolidates business creation, updates, and closures, replacing several older platforms like URAF, GISH, and GR.
• 😀 Don't second-guess your business choices: Your selection of business type and tax options has long-term implications on your taxes and asset protection.
• 😀 Avoid rushing into business registration: If you plan to move or change activities soon, it’s better to wait to register your business until everything is confirmed.
• 😀 Consider the long-term: Choose your business activity and address carefully, as making changes later can be complex and time-consuming, especially for foreigners.
• 😀 Be cautious with business activity codes: Picking the wrong code can result in incorrect social charges or rejection of your registration.
• 😀 France offers flexibility in activity descriptions: Minor updates or additions (like offering online courses) within the same category don’t require a major update to your registration.
• 😀 Keep login details safe: Once your business is registered, the INPI portal is no longer necessary for daily management, but you will need it for any future updates.
• 😀 Don’t fidget with your business setup: Avoid unnecessary changes to your business setup as this can lead to stress and wasted time, especially before visa renewals.
• 😀 Stay informed: Subscribe to updates on changes to business regulations, micro-entrepreneurship, and other important information to ensure your business remains compliant.

Q & A

Why is it important to prepare at least one month before crossing the VAT threshold in France?

Preparing one month ahead allows you time to understand the rules that will apply to your business once you cross the VAT threshold. It ensures that you can handle the necessary paperwork, obtain your V number, and ensure that everything is set up correctly to comply with VAT regulations.

What is the purpose of booking a power hour with the speaker?

Booking a power hour helps you get a briefing on the rules relevant to your business activity, obtain your V number, and get guidance on preparing your business to comply with the VAT threshold and related legal requirements.

What is the central hub for business registration in France as of January 1st?

The central hub for business registration, updates, and closures is now INPI (National Institute of Industrial Property). It replaces previous platforms such as URAF, Gish Unique, and GRA.

Why should business owners avoid picking random options when registering their business in France?

Choosing random options can negatively affect your taxes and asset protection. It’s important to carefully consider the business structure, tax option, and protection type to ensure they align with your business goals.

What happens if you rush into creating a business and later need to make updates?

Rushing into creating a business can lead to complications when updates are needed. The update process can be time-consuming and difficult, especially if you need to change business activity or address incorrect information. It's recommended to take time before setting up your business to avoid future headaches.

What is the significance of selecting the correct business activity code in France?

The business activity code determines which government bodies your business will be linked to, influencing the social charges you’ll pay and the documentation required. It’s crucial to pick the right code to avoid complications later.

What advice does the speaker give about updating your business activity after registration?

The speaker advises not to frequently update your business activity unless necessary. Minor changes, such as offering new services or shifting media platforms, may not require updates. However, significant changes to your core business activity should be handled carefully.

What does the speaker mean by 'fidgeting' with your business setup?

The term 'fidgeting' refers to making unnecessary or excessive changes to your business setup. The speaker advises against constantly adjusting your business details unless absolutely necessary, as this can create unnecessary stress and complications.

Why should you keep the login details for the INPI website after your business is registered?

You should keep the login details for INPI because they are needed if you need to make changes, update, or close your business in the future. While the platform isn’t used for ongoing business management, it’s essential to retain access for future adjustments.

What is the significance of France Connect in the business registration process?

France Connect is a platform used for identity verification when updating your business information. However, it can be problematic for expats who do not have a French Social Security number or income tax declaration, making the process more complicated for non-French citizens.