Housing tax: soon its return in the form of “citizen contribution to public service”?

Minister Catherine Vautrin excludes a return of the housing tax on main residences but believes that citizens must take charge of part of public action in the territories.

• 
  

  To safeguard
  

  
  
  

  Saved
  

Faced with the prospects of an increase in real estate taxes, MP Frédéric Falcon (National Rally) put his foot down during the government questions session at the National Assembly on Wednesday, November 20. Addressing the Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, the parliamentarian pointed “the discreet evocation, by your government, of the (upcoming) creation of a universal territorial contributionin shorte return of housing tax».

For the record, the housing tax on main residences, paid by the occupant of a home, was removed for all taxpayers on January 1, 2023in accordance with a campaign promise from Emmanuel Macron. However, it is maintained for second homes.

“Nothing is free, taxpayer or citizen, someone has to pay”

“Mr Prime Minister, do you confirm the reinstatement of a new housing tax?”launched Frédéric Falcon. “In no case is there any question of reversing (the abolition of) the housing tax, the Prime Minister has already said so”replied Catherine Vautrin, Minister of Partnership with the Territories. On the other hand, “that fellow citizens take charge (in part) of public action in the territories, yes. Nothing is free, someone has to pay, whether it is the taxpayer or the citizen”added Catherine Vautrin.

The minister had mentioned at the beginning of November, in an interview with Le Parisien, the need to “think about possible participation in living in the city or village”. The housing tax on main residences in fact contributed to the financing of public facilities in the territories, such as schools or sports infrastructures. Asked about the suggestion from the Association of Mayors of France to set up a “citizen contribution to public service»the minister estimated that “it’s not ridiculous”. While specifying that the creation of such a contribution would not be included in the finance bill (PLF) for 2025, currently being examined by Parliament. Catherine Vautrin first wishes to open a consultation on this subject with local elected officials, at the beginning of 2025. Taking note of the “reintroduction of a new housing tax, known as the universal territorial contribution», Frédéric Falcon promised the government “censorship”at the end of the examination of the PLF 2025, if it “persists on this path”.