Scooter

We avoid any bookings that say Ivory Coast, or telephone number 0022 or if they want to book on behalf of someone else or if it is a long booking and they want the full price to send the full payment over. Most of these are either money laundering or scams, just delete them. Sometimes you can tell just by the way they write too. Best wishes.

Sent an email to the accountant today and told him about categorisation, chambres d'hotes etc and he is adamant that it is 50% for 'louers en meubles' - all categorisations Tax Return for 2009.

Thank you both for your responses. I have written to my accountant with this information to ask him if there is any way we can change our classification to qualify still for the 71%/29% split as we have Chambres d'hote Two apartments which I think should class as meubles de tourisme. Makes a big difference to the tax and social charges bill!!

We had a bit of a shock this year when we visited the accountant to delare our takings from our B&B and apartments. The 71% abatement and taxe paid on 29% has now changed to 50%.......has anyone else found this? Best wishes

Thanks for the link. I am really confused but asked for help on Lay my Hat - basically asked for step by step guidance on what I need to do to ensure I get back on the 71/29% breakdown again. Really appreciate your support.

Hi Dont know if this will help. We live in France and have two apartments. I use a local accountant to complete the tax forms because it just takes the pressure off. Our tax return last year was Micro Bic system and it discounts 71% of monies taken and we paid tax on 29% of monies taken at whatever level calculated. This year the accountant has completed the forms for us and said the MICO BIC system has changed and it now discounts 51% only so we pay taxe at whatever level calculated on 49% - this is a big difference for us - means about 300 euros more tax and about the same more in social charges. Regards

Anyone else had a sales call from this company (American) wanting properties in France to add to their website at reduced cost. The sales rep became agressive in their approach and I felt uncomfortable and told them so - wrote to their head office with complaint and the only response was a) to call me - I said I would prefer email and then b) to say they had taken my number from their list and I would not be called again. No response to my complaint about tactics and style of sales call.

Hi We run a B&B and serve evening meals. I have not heard of any inspection or needing to be qualified and have friends in the same position and they haven't heard of it either. If it is true would appreciate a link to information but I doubt it because the whole B&B business was established to help people to earn a little more from their homes. If you need a mortgage then a B&B or a gite (rented house or apartment) is difficult to make a living especially with young children. You have to pay tax and social charges and if you decide for auto-entrepreneur social contributions for health (none of this is large but it adds up). Insurance for guests (again not large but...) Syndicate fees if an apartment. Electricity will be higher (and it is expensive in France). You need to really cost this out before taking such a risk if you have no other income. Happy to help if you want - sent a private email. Regards.

Hi We have holiday apartments to rent in two buildings and our friends have some too and there is only one option in this area for a syndicate manager which is an estate agent. We have talked to other owners and because we live in the area they are happy for us to set up a syndicate ourselves but I have no idea where to start. Does anyone know the rules, how to start, can it be done or do you need to be an estate agent. Any help appreciated. Carole

Will send you a private message. Carole

Hi Never heard of this company - didn't even know we had a choice!!! What does everyone think - are they cheaper - is it easy to switch? Interesting. Thanks.

Hi My friends recommended a great life insurance company in the UK that I want to use to insure my husband. The only problem is that they want him to have an examination and it must be by an English speaking doctor in France who can complete the form answering questions in English. Does anyone know of a doctor who could do this in or around 31440 - the Comminges area (St Gaudens, Montrejeau, Bagneres de Luchon). Thanks.

Hi My parents are in their 70's and applied for the French version which lasts a year and have got that. This week they got a letter from the UK saying that these now have to be issued by the country paying their pension ie the UK and they need to send off the form. Does anyone know any more about this - do they have to get their european travel card now from the UK and how long will it last. They live in France and have done for three years now and have a card vitale. Thanks for your help.

I fly with BA to Heathrow quite often. They used to fly Toulouse to Gatwick but this route no longer runs it is only to Heathrow. The sooner the better, prices only go up. The good thing with BA is the price you see is the price you pay - no adding on taxes, luggage, etc and you get a glass of wine or G&T thrown in. Great service, really relaxing and well worth any slight extra (although often they can be cheaper).

We use Homelidays, Abritel and Top Rural all are very good but the first two are a little pricey

We use Abritel and Homelidays for our apartments. Top Rural is great for the cdh and the apartments and is excellent value for money. Best wishes.

Thanks for your help - will have a look. Carole

I have noticed that some people have a little box with the local weather in it on their sites - some just have 21C and others have a 3 day prediction. Does anyone know who can provide a free feed that we can use on our websites as I think it is a lovely addition for potential guests.

Here it is, hope you find it helpful http://www.angelfishsoftware.co.uk/

Thanks for taking the time to reply. High season we are doing OK (Summer in particular). Do you find that GdF brings in guests at quieter times? Thanks again

Hi You sent us a private posting regarding our apartment and we have replied with our private information but not sure you have received it. If you have changed your plans absolutely no problem just worried in case you think we have not replied. Let us know either way if you get chance. Thanks

Hi We are not affiliated to anyone. Dont know whether this is a good idea or not. Can anyone give me a few bullet points to the benefits and costs if they have time. Best wishes

Hi Angelfish offers a wonderful system. We used it for a year but we are too small really for the system which does everything for you. Probably worth having a look. Regards

I think it probably depends on the region. We have two apartments in Bagneres de Luchon in the Midi Pyrenees. One rents out for 42 weeks each year and this year looks the same because it is in the centre close to skiing, walking and thermes. The other we have only had for 18 months and this year is better than last year so far. We also have a bed and breakfast and bookings are definitely up this year to date - only 4 weeks without any guests at all. We do advertise extensively though and it does cost but certainly not a gloomy year. Regards.

Difficult to guarantee snow anywhere at Christmas but there are lovely resorts throughout the pyrenees within easy distance. Bagneres de Luchon is lovely as is Peyregudes and the villages on the Col de Peyresourde, ideally situated between Peyresourde and Superbagneres. We are at St Beat on the border of Spain and there are lovely walks and treks in the Val d'Aran region. Hope you enjoy your stay in this lovely region.