How do I declare deceased husband’s pension for French taxes?
A look at how to notify authorities of a death, deal with the tax office and resolve online issues
An in-person appointment with the tax office can be made to help you
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Reader Question: My husband was the first declarant on our tax returns. He died in February having receiving two months of pension this year, which I presume has to be declared. I cannot access the online space. What should I do?
There is nothing specific to do this year but rather next year, when you come to declare income received in 2024 (which will be done in spring 2025).
However, if you have not already done so, you need to notify the local tax office of his death (usually within 60 days).
For the calendar year 2023, you should already have made a declaration of the household income – if not, it is best to do so as soon as possible. Tax officers aim to take a flexible attitude towards genuine mistakes.
Read more: Is it aways possible to correct an error in French tax income declaration?
Online issues
To resolve issues with the online space it may be simplest to ask the tax office for help. Visit impots.gouv.fr/contacts then click particulier > la gestion de vos impôts, prendre rendez-vous > Pour toute autre question sur vos impôts.
Insert your address and click rechercher votre service to arrange a meeting.
You should be given options including au guichet (in person) or par téléphone.
Click ‘conséquences d’un changement de situation familiale’ and you should be given options, such as au guichet (in person) or par téléphone.
You will be able to discuss with a tax officer how you should log in to make your declaration next year, or to resolve other queries related to your husband’s death.
Next spring, you will need to log in via your own personal space.
In the situation du foyer fiscal section, click oui where it asks if you need to notify a death, give the date of death and click confirmer votre choix, then commencer la déclaration, to do a shared declaration for the start of 2024 to the date of death (or after if more income came in for your husband). Once this declaration is complete, a new section should open for declaring your own income from the date of death.
Read more: Why are UK authorities asking about French work for pension top-up?
