March has been a rather long and hectic month not just in terms of workload but also due to the ongoing geo-political situation. Since the joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran on 28th February, we have faced soaring oil prices and persistent market volatility. With no clear exit strategy, investors remain nervous.
Financial update France April 2026
By Katriona Murray-Platon
This article is published on: 4th April 2026
The investment landscape has changed significantly. One fund manager recently shared that while his career began with decisions based on technical data and analysis, he now finds himself monitoring Truth Social for indications of policy direction. The traditional “quiet weekend” has been replaced by the risk of late-night social media updates from the US President that can pivot global markets come Monday morning.
Despite a consensus that Iran needs to de-escalate to alleviate the economic pain felt by its regime and populace, and that US troops on the ground would be highly risky with no guarantee of success, both sides continue to match each other’s threats. Just last night President Trump seemed to suggest that the war would continue for another couple of weeks.
Oil and gas price rises have continued to rise over the past few weeks. Brent crude oil was 63.3% higher for the month, the largest monthly percentage rise on record over recent decades.
The markets remain understandably pre-occupied by the Middle Eastern conflict, and specifically the impact on energy prices. This could also affect inflation expectations leading to central banks possibly raising interest rates.
Turning to France, tax season will soon begin as the online tax declarations will commence from 9th April. If you want to make a start on your tax return, now is the time to ensure that all the papers and information are ready to be entered into the declaration.
The MaPrimeRenov website is now back up and running (since 23rd February). Lower income households can obtain financial help for just one type of improvement, but other households will have to plan to do several renovations. A back log has built up due to the site closure, so expect delays. There is also a new requirement that you must speak to a MaPrimeRenov adviser before the work begins.
You can now choose whether you would prefer that your investment income be taxed at the flat tax rate or at your marginal rate. Previously by ticking the box 2OP on the tax declaration, your interest, dividends and capital gains would be subject to your marginal rate and not the flat tax of 31.4%. This choice was irreversible even if the taxpayer later realised that it was not beneficial. As from next year, taxpayers will be able to change this option. However, for income received in 2025 and declared in 2026 this does not apply.
The thresholds for micro-entreprises will increase for income earned in 2026, 2027 and 2028 to €203,100 for Micro-BICS for sales of goods and holiday rentals and to €83,600 for other micro-BICs (furnished rentals, services and arts) and for micro-BNC businesses. However, the threshold remains at €15,000 for “meublé de tourisme non classé”.
After a strong start to 2026, gold’s “safe haven” status is being called into question. Traditionally seen as a less volatile asset class that can hold its value in times of crisis, hedging against equity market falls, since the conflict escalated in March, gold prices have fallen steadily. In France, there are two types of tax on gold, either a 11.5% on the sale price or at 36.2% on the gain with tapered relief based on the duration of ownership and full exemption after 22 years.
After the Easter weekend I will be back at work but then will take the second week of the school holidays to spend time with family. If you have any questions about your finances or taxes in France, please do get in touch to arrange a free, no obligation, phone call or meeting.