Taxation
 
Assembly rejects income tax freeze in 2026 budget
Jean Martin Image generated by AI
During the review of the 2026 budget at the National Assembly on Saturday, October 25, deputies rejected the government's proposed freeze on the income tax scale, choosing instead to index it on inflation. This decision, backed by a broad coalition, deprives the state of 2 billion euros in revenue and affects 200,000 households. Meanwhile, amendments defiscalizing overtime hours and child support payments were adopted, as debates on the Zucman tax drag on.
Deputies double GAFAM tax for 2026 budget
French National Assembly deputies voted on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, to double the GAFAM tax rate from 3% to 6%, targeting big tech companies. Despite government opposition fearing retaliation from the Trump administration, a compromise was adopted following an initial more ambitious proposal. Left-wing lawmakers denounce it as a retreat under American pressure.
Finance ministry introduces new VAT facilitations to support taxpayers
October 28, 2025 21:06FIRS chairman praises judiciary for tax stability and investor confidence
October 28, 2025 18:12In assembly, left and RN adopt 26 billion tax on multinationals
October 28, 2025 11:43Egyptian Tax Authority issues comprehensive tax guide for contracting sector
October 28, 2025 05:24FIRS Abuja tax clinic sees massive participation
October 24, 2025 13:43Nairobi landlords to pay higher land rates from 2026
October 19, 2025 00:14UK tax authority doubles warning letters to crypto investors
September 30, 2025 01:24Researchers back economist Gabriel Zucman
 
2026 budget debate stalls over Zucman tax and pension reform suspension
Jean Martin Image generated by AI
Debates on the 2026 finance bill at the National Assembly drag on without addressing high patrimony taxation, as the pension reform suspension begins scrutiny in committee. Socialists, led by Olivier Faure, threaten a censure motion if no fiscal justice concessions are made. The right firmly opposes the pension suspension, vowing to restore it.
Carlos Emilio Betancourt appointed interim DIAN director
The Ministry of Finance has officially appointed Carlos Emilio Betancourt as interim director of DIAN, replacing Luis Eduardo Llinás after nine months in the role. Betancourt, the current Vice Minister of Finance, will likely handle both positions. The transition comes amid a pending tax reform and efforts to meet revenue targets.
 
Zucman tax rejected in commission during 2026 budget examination
Jean Martin Image generated by AI
The National Assembly's finance commission rejected the Zucman tax on very high patrimonies on Monday, October 20, proposed by the left. Deputies from the government coalition and the National Rally voted against this amendment, which aimed to impose a 2% minimum on patrimonies over 100 million euros. The debate will continue in the hemicycle starting Friday.
Sébastien Lecornu open to Zucman tax substitute
Reported by AI
French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu has expressed readiness to create a substitute for the Zucman tax in the 2025 budget. Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz supports France implementing the tax independently. These statements come amid debates on financing defense and reducing inequality.
 
Assembly adopts multinational tax against government wishes
Jean Martin Image generated by AI
During the 2026 budget review, French National Assembly deputies adopted an LFI amendment Tuesday evening to tax profits actually realized by multinationals in France, estimated at 26 billion euros by supporters. Backed by a left-RN alliance, it follows the doubling of the GAFA tax from 3% to 6%, despite strong government opposition decrying fiscal overbidding. These votes could yield over 20 billion euros for the state but may be overturned in the Senate.
Debate over excluding professional assets from Zucman tax
Reported by AI
France's Medef criticizes the Zucman tax by advocating exclusion of professional assets, but Gabriel Zucman counters that it would empty the tax of its substance. This controversy arises amid fiscal reforms targeting great fortunes in France. Arguments from both sides highlight tensions over taxing the wealthiest.
Four major tax niches targeted for 2026 budget
The French government plans to eliminate or reduce four major tax niches as part of the 2026 budget to generate significant savings. These measures aim to streamline tax expenditures that heavily burden public finances. Discussions are ongoing in Parliament, with presentation scheduled for October.
Government opposes Zucman tax on high patrimonies
The French government has firmly restated its opposition to the Zucman tax targeting high patrimonies, including the version proposed by the Socialist Party if it affects professional patrimony. This stance signals the start of a showdown with the socialists over the 2026 budget and taxation, expected by the end of the week.
Moderates propose stepwise tax cuts for high earners
The Moderates want to introduce a stepwise state income tax to cut taxes for high earners, including specialist nurses and civil engineers. The proposal is presented at the party's congress in Västerås and is seen as a major reform of the tax system. It aims to boost work incentives but raises taxes on unemployment benefits.
Zucman tax and its potential use for climate questioned
In its weekly newsletter, Le Monde's 'Chaleur humaine' podcast addresses a listener's question about the Zucman tax. This proposal targets the wealthiest, but its allocation is debated between ecological transition and debt reduction. The piece examines if it can directly benefit the climate.