miaviv

Thanks for comments. I would imagine that I would count as domiciled in France as have lived here for 14 years, do not own anything in Uk and not member of any clubs etc (no burial plot prepaid either !!!).  My husband is French, kids were born here and have dual nationality etc.  I have worked here and pay taxes etc since 1994.  Does this mean I will pay IHT based on UK rules or in France ?  What are the French rules anyway, I understand they are in the process of changing ? Thanks again for any answers

I have lived in France for 14 years, married to Frenchman, still British citizen but presume I am "domiciled" here. Have worked here pay tax here etc... My parents still live in the UK and wish to gift their house to me but will not pay rent so still counted in their assets upon their death. When I inherit this house, do I pay inheritance tax (presuming I am over the threshold) in the UK or in France ?  Anything else I should know ? Thanks

I've read a little more since I posted my original question and now know the following : As has been suggested, micro entreprise is a tax status not an actual company status (I didn't know that before !).  Anyway, I understand that URSSAF contributions in 2006 are fixed at a rate of 6505 euros and would be 9757 euros in 2007 - this is for anyone setting themselves up as profession libérale and would be paid in the first year of activity (perhaps even first 2 years) then as results of the company are known, these are adjusted and possibly paid-back if you paid in too much.... etc.  Not very encouraging for anyone starting a business in France.  There is the possibility of benefiting from an ACCRE (aide création ou reprise d'entreprise) help in setting up a company but certain conditions apply and not sure if many Brits who haven't worked here before would get this but don't take my word for it.......  If you get ACCRE status, I think you don't have to pay contributions in the first year....? Hope I haven't confused the issue for anyone out there !  I certainly understand it a bit better now..... but a good accountant would be my next port of call.

I can't help much with your original question, but if you are interested in a contact based in Bali, I can put you in touch with someone currently in the exporting trade who is looking for markets in France.  Let me know.

thanks for the advice, I've been on this site and yes, there are some useful things but I just need someone to compare the options and tell me which one is best for me, I suppose I'll have to find myself an accountant.

I was thinking of setting myself up in business, dealing in expat relocation, bilingual services, secretarial assistance etc..... I am having trouble finding out enough information to guide me in the right direction.  Does anyone know what are the pitfalls/advantages of a profession libérale and a micro entreprise ?  What internet sites could I look at that give some clear information either in French or English ?  Any help appreciated. Thanks

I hate banging on about this but having worked for quite a few French companies since moving here 13 years ago, I have yet to come across one that talks of net salaries - always gross.  I wouldn't like to mislead posters that some jobs offers may talk of  net salaries because I have NEVER seen one, only gross is mentioned in the official offer.

Another option is to find a "société couveuse or porteuse", they are there to help those who wish to set up in business but are unsure how it will work and whether it is in fact right for them.  They bill your clients on your behalf and you are then paid a "salary" from the couveuse company.  If this is of interest, try putting in société (or even association) couveuse or porteuse and see what comes up.

Thanks for the site information.  Did you actually set yourself up as a Virtual Assistant or did the idea not appeal after the research ?  I'm still keen but unsure how well it would go down in France, seeing as the French are so very far behind the UK in business initiatives and they can be very mistrusting of anything differing from the norm.

Sorry, but in my experience they are almost always quoted gross (brut) never net .  You would then have to allow for social deductions to come out of this (an A4 sheet is the norm for a French pay slip) and then account for your tax - I still think we pay less tax than in the UK though but not sure......

I'm completely bilingual and thinking of setting myself up as a bilingual secretary/PA online to help businesses and individuals with their French and English correspondence, translations etc.  I'm just doing a little market research at the moment and wondered whether anyone reading this post might need these services, have any ideas for me to get going etc.  Any pointers and advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

I would love to know if anyone has found a supplier for lining paper in France.  I have already used toile de verre (yukky stuff) but I have never seen lining paper anywhere, I'm too far away from the UK to drive over and supply myself at B&Q, any ideas ? Thanks

Don't whatever you do throw anything like this away, it is probably to do with tax and may also be important for any pension rights for the future.  Also, should you return to France at some point you will probably need it as we are supposed to keep everything for about 10 years.

I use Voip which are ok too although my mum and dad maintain that they can't hear me too well and I can tell that there is a time delay also.  I'll put up with it though as the calls are free (to most Europe countries, USA and Australia)

Thank you Gyn.  The system has been switched on all afternoon and still no change so hopefully this will rectify itself by tomorrow.  I'll be on here again asking more questions if not !