How do I register a seasonal rental in France?

Seasonal rental growing in popularity, This is especially true with the rise of platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com. Many property owners choose to rent out their property to boost their income. However, it's crucial to know that this rental income is subject to income tax and must be declared.

What is a seasonal rental? ? This is the rental of a furnished property for a short period, usually less than 12 months. Rental properties can include apartments, houses, villas, chalets or guest rooms, catering to the needs of holidaymakers or professionals looking for temporary accommodation.

Seasonal rental regulations In France, seasonal rentals are subject to various regulations, depending on the location of the property and the operating method chosen by the owner. Some cities impose restrictions on the maximum rental period (e.g. 120 days per year in Paris), and sometimes require prior authorization for seasonal rentals. So it's vital to check with your local town hall before offering your property for rent.

How do you declare rental income from seasonal lets? Income generated by seasonal rentals must be declared to the tax authorities, and is considered as income from property for bare rentals, or industrial and commercial profits (BIC) for furnished rentals.

Determining the applicable tax regime To determine the tax regime applicable to your seasonal rental income, you first need to check whether your property meets the criteria for furnished accommodation. A property is considered furnished if it is equipped to enable the tenant to move in immediately with a minimum of comfort. If this is the case, you'll be subject to the BIC tax system, otherwise you'll be subject to the income from property tax.

Under the BIC system If you are a non-professional furnished rental operator (LMNP), your rental income is taxed under the BIC system. Depending on the amount of your annual revenue, you can choose between two systems: the micro-BIC system (for annual revenue of less than €72,600) or the actual system.

If your seasonal rental is considered as a bare-rental property, your rental income will be taxed under the "revenu foncier" system. There are two possible regimes: the micro-foncier regime (for annual revenues of less than €15,000) or the actual regime.

Don't forget to declare the amounts on your tax return and, if necessary, on your VAT return. If you need help completing your return, a chartered accountant can help you with this process and advise you on the best tax options.

Finally, when it comes to managing your vacation rental, why not entrust it to an Airbnb concierge? Hello Riviera Stay takes care of everything, from interacting with tenants to cleaning up after them. You don't have to worry about a thing! Contact us for more information, and our teams will provide you with all the information you need.