Guide

The French income tax return deadline (déclaration de revenus)

By Covered Abroad Research Desk · Last verified July 2026

France's income tax return opens in April, and the deadline depends on your department and how you file. In 2026, online returns were due by 21 May for departments 01–19 and non-residents, 28 May for 20–54, and 4 June for 55 and above; paper returns were due by 19 May. The return comes pre-filled with what the tax office already knows.

The 2026 calendar

According to Service-Public, the 2026 campaign (for 2025 income) opened on 9 April 2026. Online filing closed at 23:59 on:

Thursday 21 May — departments 01 to 19, and people who don't live in France
Thursday 28 May — departments 20 to 54
Thursday 4 June — departments 55 to 974 and 976

Paper returns were due by Tuesday 19 May, including for French residents abroad. The dates are set each year, so check the new calendar each spring.

Source: Service-Public — 2025 income tax return: what is the deadline in your department?, 8 April 2026, read 10 October 2026.

Who has to file

Service-Public lists the situations in which you must declare your income, including if you live in France and have your main professional activity there, or if you live abroad but have French-source income. Young adults who turned 18 and are no longer attached to their parents' household also file their own return.

Whether you file online or on paper, the return arrives pre-filled with the information the tax administration already holds. If you filed online last year, you won't receive a paper form.

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Your first French return

Your first year is usually the trickiest. Service-Public explains that online filing uses your tax number and online access details; if you don't have them yet, your local public finance centre can help.

Check your department's deadline early, and keep your payslips — our guide to the French payslip explains what's already been withheld at source.

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Common questions

When is the French tax return deadline?

It depends on your department and how you file. In 2026, online deadlines were 21 May (departments 01–19 and non-residents), 28 May (20–54) and 4 June (55+); paper was 19 May.

When do non-residents file their French tax return?

In 2026, non-residents had the earliest online deadline, 21 May, according to Service-Public.

Is the French tax return pre-filled?

Yes. Online or on paper, it's pre-filled with the information the tax administration already has.

When does the French tax return open?

In April. The 2026 campaign opened on 9 April 2026.