Frank

Hi Val_2 I have read your post with interest, (being a newbie to cotisations[:-))]) is there any chance you could elaborate on the charges please??  The reason I ask is I had a visit at home from the chap for the RSI from the chamber of commerce to explain all the different charges etc. and when we discussed signing the declaration for projected turnover, like you to keep costs more realistic, there was no mention on additional interest charges.  He said that if I exceeded my estimated declaration, then I would pay to them the difference, but if I didn't reach my turnover, then they would repay me, and for my second yr, I could declare expected turnover and then have the following yrs based on them.  Any advice greatly received.  Many thanks in advance Jetlag

Hi JJ Asmall world indeed!!! Feel free to call in for an apero (or coffee!!) when next you are passing! Jetlag

Hi JJ I received the same email via same site, I don't know if you or anyone else who got the request noticed, but although he had a 'spanish' email, the phone number began 225 (I think, binned the email!!) and from previous emails I have received that are similar, the number is for the Ivory Coast ( did a route plan to find address!!)  Nearly all the ones I get from there (and I get a few!) are in French but some are in very poor English.  Is there a website anywhere where you can post said tel numbers and addresses, could be useful[:D] Jetlag

Hi Jazzer I was at the Impots in Saintes today and I was given the form 2042C to replace the 2042CK that I was sent via the information helplines (too much tipex[:P]!!!) and was told it was exactly the same form, the receptionist even went through the form box by box to prove it! Very helpful staff at the Impots in Saintes I have to say[:D] Jetlag

Which is best?? It's that time of year when the cherries on the trees turn a deeper shade of red whilst listening to the radio, safe in the knowledge those pesky birds ain't gonna come cherry picking!!!  Cherry tart anyone[:P]

There's no telling who is giving correct info ref the exchange rate for tax purposes.   If anyone knows the correct rate for the Saintes area, it will be much appreciated many thanks Jetlag

We paid 300euro and it was completed at the same time for the house purchase 3yrs ago.    

Yes you're right Chris, I got mixed up with the french name torturelle (if that is how it is spelt!!)  Not having much luck with the pics, will keep at it[:)] Jetlag

Hi Gastines, thanks for the info.  When I registered, the guy from ursaff came round to my house to discuss cotisations etc, when he did the first calculations, I nearly fell through the floor, then started laughing with the shock[:P] !!!  Anyway, he said I could sign a declaration for approx. turnover this yr and my cotisations were calculated on that, this was a much lower payment.  However, he also pointed out that if I went over my estimated turnover for the yr, then I would have to make a one off payment for the difference also if I didn't make my estimated turnover, they would refund the difference.  He said I could also do the same for next yr until it 'balances' itself out.  Payment wise, it is a much better way for me as the costisation payment is more in line with my estimated turnover and not with their set model.  As I am open all yr round, I don't think the register/de register system would work for me, but thanks again for the info, its worth bearing in mind should the business look like its only going to be in peak season. Jetlag

I didn't get to the tax office but spoke to my French friend who was an accountant all her working life, and now I need to lie down and connect myself to the alcoholic drip while I get over the shock[:-))]  Seriously, thanks Clair for mentioning it earlier, I don't know why the Chambre of Commerce, the Impots or Ursaff don't tell you this info when you speak to them about setting up a business and declaring taxes!!  I wonder how many more 'surprise' taxes are waiting on the side lines[:'(] Thanks again Jetlag

Hi everyone, thought I would share this!  The other morning when I looked out my back door,  I saw a young buzzard on the ground tearing and eating its kill!!! I was absolutely amazed, never have I seen one up this close in the wild, it was about 4/5 foot away!!!!  I did take some piccies, but they were through the glass and not very good.  It was there for a good ten minutes, I say it was young because it was quite round around the tum and had what looked like 'downy feathers' on its legs.  I did eventually open the door and lie on the floor to take another pic, but as soon as the camera clicked, it flew off!  It looked like it had a turtledove chick of which we seem to have in abundance here.  I am keeping my eyes peeled in case it comes back, but I doubt it will.  Will try and figure out how to post a piccy, even though they aren't brilliant[:D] Jetlag

Hi everyone, hope this request doesn't break forum rules, but I have an INOX external chimney that I will be looking to sell in a couple of weeks.  Where would the best place be to place an ad.  My French friend suggested le petit coin, but I couldn't find a section for chimneys! Please PM or email if you can recommend somewhere. Many thanks in advance Jetlag

Hi Clair Thanks again for your quick reply, will contact the tax office on Friday.  So to put it bluntly, even though I already pay 45.5% of my 29% in cotisations,( registered as micro with chambre commerce etc) I will still need to pay a further 11%[8-)] Seems very steep to me, but like you say, I will get onto them Friday!!!!  Will post what they say.  Thanks again Jetlag edit, sorry Clair, missed your edit at the bottom!! 

Hi Clair Many thanks for your quick reply.  Pardon my ignorance, but what is prelevements sociaux?? No one has mentioned this before, not even the tax office........eeek!!!  I have started to pay professional cotisations for this yr and know I will need to pay tax professionel on the gites along with habitation tax for the house, is this yet another tax?? many thanks Jetlag

Hi everyone, sorry if this has been asked before but couldn't find answer on search.  This will be my first declaration as professional micro enterprise for gites, (form 2042c) do I put my total revenue for last yr in the section marked 'vente de marchandises ou assimilees' box KO to get the 71/29 split or the service section ?? (I'm leaning towards KO as I understand the service section to be a lower percentage split circa 50/50)  Any advice greatly received, many thanks in advance Jetlag

Hi Pool Girl I know of someone who is selling a gite complex, with games room and it has blue shutters, although it is over 300k email/pm for details Jetlag

Many thanks Cendrillon, will pop into Saintes[:D]

Hi everyone, hope someone can help[:)]  Is there anywhere near Saintes/Royan that sells second hand French books that will do for a holiday read please????  I have loads of English books that I have had over the yrs, but so far, cannot fine any cheap French books, (they are for guests to read is they want to!)  If anyone has any helpful suggestions, they will be greatly received[:D] Many thanks in advance Jetlag dept 17

Hi Sid Many thanks for your reply and link.  Got up this morning and all is working agian! Must have been Orange[:D] Thanks again Jetlag

Hi everyone, just a quickie, has anyone had any problems with messagerie today?? It was OK this morning but now, when I click on the link it says its going to webmail, then locks up!!  Can't find any info on the Orange site for the problem.  Is it just me or is anyone else having the same problem[8-)] Any advcie greatly received many thanks in advance Jetlag

Hi Jaqui Too I don't know if the rules differ from department to department, our application and plans for the permis constuire were done by the architect and we were told we have five yrs to complete the work (not including internal decor etc) which was also confirmed at the Impots.  Have you tried to contact the DDE they will probably be able to clarify the timescale for you ( I think, I am no expert!!!) Happy renovating[:D] Jetlag

Many thanks Cathy, that is kind of thing I have been looking for, only now I need to find a shop in the area as the birthday do is on Saturday[:-))] Kimberly

Hi, hope someone can help, I am looking to buy a birthday gift for a friend and was thinking of a nail art kit, nothing too flashy, but something to brighten her long nails!.  I have seen individual pots of polish, sticky things etc. but not a kit.  Anyone any ideas on where to start or if anyone has seen one it would be greatly appreciated[:D] Many thanks in advance Kimberly PS I am near to Saintes and Royan if it helps.

Is the term 'totty' just for use by men then??  I use it quite a lot when referring to men of the hunky & gorgeous variety along with 'eye candy' and I am a 40 something girlie!!! 

Hi Baz Thanks for your reply, the reason I ask is a lowcost airline has updated their website and it appears the prices quoted no longer include tax with the tax added after you select the flight.  Whereas before, it was all included on the price that came up when you search for flights. Can't see any info to indicate tax added later, so it may just be a glitch but has been this way for almost a week, so will wait and see what happens Thanks again