The French Ministry of Economy announced on Tuesday, September 22, that 2026 property tax notices are now available online for real estate owners across France.
Property owners face payment deadlines ranging from October 15 to October 26, depending on the payment method selected.
Individuals must pay the annual real estate property tax, known in France as the taxe foncière, if they own or hold usufruct rights to a property as of January 1 of the tax year. The tax obligation applies even when the residential property is rented out to tenants. The tax is levied annually by local authorities to fund municipal services and local infrastructure.
Property owners enrolled in monthly installment plans have been able to view their statements since August 27. For all other property owners, the tax notices are accessible online through individual personal accounts in the Finances publiques portal on the impots.gouv.fr website and via the impots.gouv mobile application.
Payment options and key deadlines
Taxpayers can choose from several payment options, with deadlines varying according to the selected method. Property owners who wish to set up automatic direct debit upon the deadline must submit their request before September 30 through their online tax portal.
The Ministry of Economy explained that automatic direct debit provides a simple payment method, with funds automatically drawn from the taxpayer's bank account on October 26, 2026. The ministry added that once a taxpayer registers for this payment plan, the authorization automatically carries over to subsequent years without requiring additional paperwork.
Taxpayers who pay online or through the mobile app, including those using the QR code printed on their tax notice, have until October 20 to complete the transaction. Taxpayers can choose an immediate debit, which processes three days after the payment is registered. If no option is selected, the bank account will be debited on October 26, 2026.
Special rules apply for smaller bills. Taxpayers whose property tax amount is 300 euros or less may pay in cash or by bank card at licensed tobacconists approved by the Directorate General of Public Finances, known as the DGFiP. Payment can also be made at Public Finance Center counters, though tax offices accept bank cards only. In both cases, in-person payments must be completed by October 15.
Cybersecurity warnings and fraud risks
The Ministry of Economy issued a warning advising taxpayers to remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes accompanying the distribution of tax notices. The ministry reminded property owners that official notification emails regarding online tax statements will never contain links directing them to pay online.
The ministry stressed that taxpayers must never click on links inside email messages to access their personal tax accounts or pay their bill. The warning follows a major cyberattack over the summer that resulted in a massive data breach involving French tax administration IT systems.
The DGFiP manages public taxation and accounting across France under the authority of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, commonly referred to as Bercy after its headquarters in Paris.
Payment extensions and relief for agricultural owners
Certain categories of property owners receive temporary adjustments this year. Farmers operating in departments impacted by adverse weather events have been granted an exceptional extension to pay their property tax on unbuilt land until November 15.
The executive branch announced a dedicated support package in early September allocating 330 million euros in tax relief and exemptions for the agricultural sector. The financial relief aims to support agricultural producers affected by repeated droughts and heatwaves in recent months.
Contact channels and public support
Taxpayers with questions regarding their tax assessments can contact the DGFiP through secure messaging in their personal Finances publiques space on the official tax website.
Public assistance is also available by telephone at 0 809 401 401. The helpline operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm metropolitan France time.
