The taxman sanctions delays in declaration for any taxpayer. And the penalties are not minimal, far from it!
Each year, thousands of taxpayers miss this rule, however essential: even in the absence of income, and even if we think of not having anything, making your taxation to the taxman is compulsory. According to the latest figures from the Ministry of the Economy, in 2024, more than 99% of individuals fulfilled their declarative obligations. On the other hand, about 400,000 households have not done so and they risk financial sanctions. Indeed, many ignore it, but a simple oblivion or a delay can lead to heavy penalties. In general, the taxman does not distinguish: any breach is liable to penalties, sometimes heavy, which are added to the tax due. As a reminder, this year, the declaration of income must be sent no later than May 20, 2025 for the paper version, and between May 22 and June 5, 2025, online, according to your department.
Concretely, the taxpayer who forgets to make his tax declaration, or who does not do it on time, at first risks paying an increase of 10 %. It is calculated not on the amount of taxable income, but on the total amount of the tax due, without taking into account the deposits and the samples already paid. This increase can rise to 20% if the declaration is made within 30 days of the formal notice sent by the taxman, and up to 40% if it was not deposited after this period. For example, for a person living alone, who owns and whose total amount of the tax due is 1,300 euros, the increase will be 1,430 euros (1300 x 10% = 130; 1300 + 130 = 1430). If the person does not pay within 30 days, they will have to pay 1,560 euros, and up to 1,820 euros if they do not respect the period of formal notice. And that’s not all …
In addition to the increase, delay interests are also applied. “They amount to 0.20 % of the tax due per month of delay (2.4 % over 1 year)”indicates the public service site. Namely that it is possible to avoid them, “You will not have any interest in delay if you alerted the tax administration of your questions in writing when submitting your declaration”explained the press service of the Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information.
Contacted, the Directorate General of Public Finances also explained to us that an increase of 80% can be drawn up if the person has an occult activity, that is to say “If she does not declare anything, but she participates in the informal economy with a hidden activity”.
