Understanding France Annual Company Compliance

Are you running a company in France and need expert support to manage France annual company compliance requirements? At Enterslice, we help foreign businesses manage the complexities of French regulations, including all annual filings and mandatory obligations. To ensure smooth business operations, it is essential for companies to meet their France annual company compliance deadlines. Proper and timely filing helps you avoid legal complications and maintain trust in the French market.

Typically, a France annual company compliance refers to the set of mandatory requirements that businesses operating in France must fulfil every year. These ensure that companies stay compliant with French corporate laws, tax regulations and social security obligations. Therefore, companies must follow these regulations to avoid penalties, stay relevant and maintain a good standing with French authorities.

With Enterslice, you benefit from professional guidance that offers a clear and concise overview of your France annual company compliance duties, empowering you to make informed decisions and thrive in France’s dynamic business environment.

Financial Statements and Filing in France

French Annual Income Tax Declarations

Accounting Standards- Plan Comptable Général (PCG)

Corporate Tax Filings in France

Statutory Audits

Automatic Compliance Reminders

Stay Compliant & Confident with France Annual Company Compliance

Maintain your company’s legal standing and ensure seamless operations in France with expert-managed annual compliance. Avoid penalties, meet deadlines, and operate stress-free with our end-to-end support for the France Annual company compliance.

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What are the Key Aspects of France Annual Return Compliance?

Meeting the France annual return compliance on a timely basis is crucial. The key aspects of France Annual Return compliance are as follows:

Tax filing and corporate tax prepayments

Companies registered in France must file a Corporate Income Tax (CIT) return annually. The return depends upon the size and revenue of the company. Additionally, a monthly advance payment may also be required. Overall, these prepayments ensure that businesses stay compliant throughout the year and avoid penalties for late or insufficient payments.

Social Security Contributions and Payroll Filings

It is mandatory for every employer in France to submit a monthly payroll declaration through the Déclaration Sociale Nominative (DSN). These filings include employee salaries, social contributions and other payroll-related obligations. A timely and proper submission ensures compliance with French labour and social security regulations.

Annual Return Submission (France Annual Return)

Companies must submit an annual return summarizing key corporate information, like company registered details, shareholders, directors and business activities. It ensures transparency and keeps the company's legal records up to date with the relevant French authorities.

Corporate Financial Statements and Audits

It is a must for all the registered French companies to prepare an annual financial statement at the end of each fiscal year. Depending upon the size of the company, an external auditor may be required to conduct a statutory audit further. These documents must be approved by shareholders and deposited with the Commercial Court Registry.

VAT Filing and Payment

Those businesses registered for VAT must file a periodic VAT return either monthly, quarterly or annually based upon the turnover. These filings report the company’s total sales, purchases, and VAT collected or paid. Timely payments help companies avoid penalties and ensure continuous compliance with tax authorities.

France Annual Company Compliance Deadlines

The France annual company compliance deadlines are as follows:

Company Incorporation

Company Incorporation

The company is officially registered with the Trade and Companies Register (RCS) via the Business Formalities centre (CFE). This date of company registration in France marks the beginning of a future statutory obligation.

Income Declaration and Tax Payments

Income Declaration and Tax Payments

The companies must submit their annual income declaration each year. While the deadline generally is in May for companies closing their fiscal year on December 31. On the other hand, the annual declaration for an individual income tax must be submitted 15 days after the second working day following May 1.

VAT Declaration and Payment

VAT Declaration and Payment

In general, VAT is declared and paid monthly or quarterly, depending on the company’s tax regime, while VAT declarations (CA3) must be submitted between the 15th and 24th of the following month. Furthermore, companies under the simplified tax regime must make quarterly instalments during mid-April, mid-July and mid-October.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Companies must also hold an annual general meeting within six months following the end of the fiscal year in order to approve the accounts of the previous fiscal year.

Filing Annual Accounts

Filing Annual Accounts

Companies must also file their annual accounts with the commercial court registry, including balance sheet, income statement and annexes.

Economic Territorial Contribution (CET)

Economic Territorial Contribution (CET)

Typically, CET consists of two parts, namely Corporate value added contribution (CVAE) to be filed by May 3 of the next year, you can pay in an instalment on June 15 and September 15 (50% each). Another CET is Business Property Tax (CFE)to pay the instalment by June 15, and the remaining balance to be paid by December 15.

Social Security Declarations

Social Security Declarations

DSN, which stands for Nominative Social Declaration, must be submitted monthly by the 5th or 15th of the following month.

Other Declarations and Payments

Other Declarations and Payments

Other declarations and payments include Payroll taxes applies to employers who are not fully subject to VAT, while filing the frequency depends on the amount owed it can be monthly, quarterly or annually. Also, the company executives must be renewed as per the rules in the company’s statutes. While, these renewals must be formally recorded in the companies general meetings.

Want to File your France Annual Return with Confidence?

You may file your France annual return with confidence by keeping the given below points in mind:

  • The France Annual Return (Annual Accounts Filing) is a mandatory compliance requirement for companies operating their business in France, including foreign-owned entities.
  • Businesses must file their annual financial statements like balance sheet, profit and loss account, and supporting documents by 30th June of the following year.
  • Financial statements must be prepared in line with French accounting standards.
  • The annual accounts must be approved during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) before filing.
  • The registered companies in France are required to submit their annual return within 6 months after the end of the financial year.

If you Operate in France, Compliance is Non-negotiable. Let us Ensure you Never Miss a Step.

France Annual Company Compliance Calendar

Check out the key dates under the France annual company compliance calendar-

  • January 31 – Social Security Contribution Declaration (DSN) :- Companies must submit the monthly/quarterly DSN for employees' social security contributions to URSSAF.
  • January 31 – CFE Filing Deadline :- CFE (Cotisation Foncière des Entreprises) payment for businesses operating in France, assessed by municipalities based on business premises.
  • January 31 – Annual VAT Filing (Quarterly Filers) :- Companies filing VAT quarterly must submit the VAT return for Q4 of the previous year.
  • February 28 – Corporate Tax Prepayment :- First corporate tax prepayment (IS) due for companies with a fiscal year ending December 31.
  • February 28 – Quarterly VAT Filing :- VAT return for Q1 2025 due for quarterly VAT filers, payable to DGFiP.
  • March 31 – Corporate Income Tax Filing :- Annual corporate income tax return (Form 2065) due for companies with a December 31 year-end.
  • March 31 – Employee Income Tax Withholding Filing :- Form 2561 must be filed, reporting employee income tax withholdings for the previous year.
  • April 30 – Annual General Meeting (AGM) :- Companies must hold an AGM to approve financial statements for the previous year.
  • April 30 – Filing of Annual Accounts with RCS :- Annual accounts must be filed with the French Trade and Companies Register within six months of fiscal year-end.
  • May 31 – Second Corporate Tax Prepayment :- Second installment of corporate tax due for companies under the standard tax regime.
  • June 30 – Quarterly VAT Filing :- Filing and payment of VAT for Q1 2025 for quarterly VAT filers.
  • June 30 – Annual Social Security Filing (End of Q1) :- Ensure correct filing of employee social security contributions for Q1 2025.
  • July 31 – Quarterly Social Security Filing (DSN) :- Monthly or quarterly DSN filing covering health, pension, and employee contributions.
  • July 31 – CFE Annual Contribution Payment :- Annual payment of CFE based on real estate used by the business.
  • August 31 – Quarterly VAT Filing :- VAT return for Q2 2025 due for quarterly VAT filers.
  • September 30 – Third Corporate Tax Prepayment :- Third installment of corporate tax due under the standard tax regime.
  • September 30 – Quarterly VAT Filing :- VAT return for Q3 2025 due for quarterly VAT filers.
  • October 15 – Social Security & Other Contributions :- Payment of monthly or quarterly social security contributions including pensions and family allowances.
  • October 31 – Tax Return for Non-Resident Companies :- Tax return filing deadline for non-resident companies earning income in France.
  • November 30 – Quarterly VAT Filing :- VAT return for Q4 (July–September 2025) due for quarterly VAT filers.
  • November 30 – Social Security Contributions :- Filing and payment of employee social security contributions for October.
  • December 31 – Year-End Payroll Reconciliation :- Final payroll reporting, employee tax reconciliation, and preparation of year-end tax documents.
  • December 31 – Final Corporate Tax Prepayment :- Final corporate tax prepayment for the financial year, if applicable.
  • December 31 – Dividend Withholding Tax Compliance :- Ensure compliance with French withholding tax obligations on dividend distributions.

Never Miss a Filing Again. Your Dedicated French Compliance Manager Awaits.

France Annual Company Compliance Checklist

At Enterslice, we provide robust France annual company compliance services. Check out the France annual company compliance checklist-

France Annual Company Compliance Services

  • France Annual Financial Statement Filing
  • Corporate Tax Filing in France
  • French Statutory Audit Assistance
  • Filing of Corporate Declarations
  • Maintaining Legal Records in France
  • Direct and Indirect Tax Compliance in France

Other Key Parts of the France Annual Company Compliance Checklist

  • Filing of Employee Tax Returns in France
  • Social Security Contributions in France
  • Change of Corporate Structure Filing
  • Annual General Meeting (AGM) Support in France
  • Compliance with the French Commercial Code
  • Advisory on Regulatory Changes

Why Partner with Enterslice for France Statutory Filings?

Have a look at the reasons why you should join hands with Enterslice for France Statutory Filings:

  • Accurate and Timely Corporate Tax Filings in France
  • Compliance-Ready Social Security Filings including URSSAF Contributions
  • Expert Support in Preparing and Filing Annual Financial Statements
  • End-to-End Assistance with Mandatory Audits for French Entities
  • On-time VAT Returns and Other Required Tax Declarations
  • Access to In-house Team of French Compliance Experts
  • Ensures Full Compliance with France’s Corporate and Tax Laws
  • Post-Filing Support for Updates, Amendments, and Ongoing Compliance
  • Transparent Pricing Structure with No Hidden Charges
  • 24/7 Customer Assistance for All Compliance-Related Queries
  • Avoids Penalties by Ensuring Every Filing is Submitted Before the Deadline
  • Comprehensive Compliance Coverage Across All Mandatory French Filings
France Statutory Filings

Why Trust Enterslice for France Annual Company Compliance Services?

Given below are the reasons why business owners trust us for the France Annual Company Compliance services-

  • Accurate and Timely Corporate Tax Filings in France
  • Compliance-Ready Social Security Filings including URSSAF Contributions
  • Expert Support in Preparing and Filing Annual Financial Statements
  • End-to-End Assistance with Mandatory Audits for French Entities
  • On-time VAT Returns and Other Required Tax Declarations
  • Access to In-house Team of French Compliance Experts
  • Ensures Full Compliance with France’s Corporate and Tax Laws
  • Post-Filing Support for Updates, Amendments, and Ongoing Compliance
  • Transparent Pricing Structure with No Hidden Charges
  • 24/7 Customer Assistance for All Compliance-Related Queries
  • Avoids Penalties by Ensuring Every Filing is Submitted Before the Deadline
  • Comprehensive Compliance Coverage Across All Mandatory French Filings

FAQS on France Annual Company Compliance Services

A France annual company compliance is a mandatory filing of tax and various other financial obligations that registered companies in France need to fulfil for a smooth business operation. This includes annual return filing, corporate tax submissions, VAT declarations, payroll filings and maintaining updated corporate records.

All companies registered in France, whether it is a domestic, foreign-owned, subsidiaries, branches or representative offices, must comply and fulfil the France annual compliance obligations.

Some of the documents required for the France Annual Return filing are annual financial statements, including the balance sheet, profit and loss account, management report, notes to the accounts, and auditors' report, etc.

The list of tax filings included in France annual company compliance is as follows:

  • Corporate income tax filing (CIT)
  • Corporate tax prepayments
  • VAT returns
  • CET filing (Economic Territorial Contribution)
  • Social Security and payroll filings

No, it is not mandatory for all the companies except for those companies that cross certain threshold limit related to turnover, total assets, or employee count. While smaller companies may be exempted from the same.

Failure to meet the annual compliance requirements in France may result in legal penalties, late fees, blocked business transactions, loss of legal standing and may result in the dissolution of a company.

Yes, a foreign company, like a locally registered company in France, whether through a subsidiary or branch, must meet all annual compliance requirements for smooth business operations.

Yes, professional service providers like Enterslice can handle France annual compliance to manage tax filings, annual returns, payroll compliance, and corporate documentation to avoid legal penalties and ensure accuracy.

The key benefits of staying compliant in France are as follows:

  • Smooth business operations
  • Avoidance of penalties
  • Enhanced investor and stakeholder trust
  • Legal eligibility to operate and expand
  • Strong financial credibility

The cost of France's Annual company compliance services depends upon the size of the company, business activity, accounting volume and reporting requirements. Further professional firms like Enterslice offers a customized compliance packages.

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