Are you one of the 5 million French people who declare their taxes by mail? As part of an eco-responsible approach, the tax administration continues to send by mail, even if the online declaration is in principle obligatory. However, some taxpayers continue to receive a paper form, when they are in a white zone (without Internet access) or when they do not feel able to carry out a dematerialized declaration. If your mailbox is empty at the moment, there are two possible reasons according to the General Directorate of Public Finances (DGFiP).
Since paper declarations are sent gradually between the end of March and April 17, it is possible that this famous letter has simply not yet arrived in your mailbox. Taking into account postal delays, some households may therefore only receive these forms towards the end of April, or even the beginning of May. In any case, don’t panic for the moment if you haven’t received anything, it may still arrive in the coming weeks. And the return deadline? This is the Tuesday May 19before midnight (the postmark being taken as proof) for users concerned by the paper declaration. Beyond that, late payment penalties may apply. Knowing that the online declaration timetable runs longer, with deadlines up to June 4.
An online declaration
It is also possible that you will never receive a paper declaration if you made an online declaration last year, still within the framework of this eco-responsible approach. Another possibility is that you may not have received a paper declaration if you are an adult attached to a household and you subscribed in your name for the first time in 2025. This will now be done online.
If you find yourself in situations that still require printing a paper declaration (if a loved one does it for you for example), you can obtain, from your public finance center, a return of your pre-filled declaration as well as, where applicable, the documents necessary for a paper filing.
The nearest tax center
If you need help with your taxes, call 0809 401 401 (Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., excluding public holidays) or visit your nearest tax center. If you need to print the form, it is available at impots.gouv.fr or can be printed on site at the tax office. Otherwise, after completing it, you can drop it off there as well or send it by mail. If you have difficulties with computers, you should instead go to the France Services area closest to you. But, be careful, no paper declaration can be submitted there.
