Tax d'Habitation

[rodelwood]

I have read all the messages re the above and everyone seems to have something different to say.  Perhaps someone can answer our query.  We have had an Apt in France for 3 yrs now (We are in a Co-operative) and pay the Tax Fonciere by direct debit via our French bank account but have never had a request or demand for the Tax d'Habitation.  (I think we assumed it was being paid via our Co-operative bills but this does't seem to be the case).  We have just received out of the blue a demand for 2004's tax for over 1000 Euros !  On page 3 it states that if you are over 60 you do not have to pay. we are both over 60 but do not reside in the Apt permanently.  Do we have to pay ??  Also, what's happened to the previous years when we have not paid anything ?  Help !  Any advice/answers appreciated.

[Teamedup]

I don't think that it says that. Our bills says that people over 60, widows, handicapped people etc are exempt from this bill on their principal residence if they fulfill certain conditions, including being on reduced income.

So if this is your holiday home then you won't be exempt.

It would seem that in some circumstances people are given a couple of free years when they move and then the bills kick in. I have no idea as to what these conditions are. This is your own local tax bill and would not be included in anything to do with the cooperative.  

[Llantony]

We bought in July 2003 and have had no bill for taxe d'habitation for our little 2nd home, but have had and paid taxe fonciere.  They seem to be totally separate. I went to the tresor public with a friend who speaks no French.  He'd had a final reminder for non payment of td but had received no bill because they'd sent it to Australia where he used to live! No problem with TF.  The bill went from a local town but the reminder from the village. 

I pointed out I'd not been billed for td and asked what I should do about it.  The official looked at his computer, found us, and just shrugged.  So I wonder if we're going to get a very big bill one day?

[rodelwood]

[quote]I don't think that it says that. Our bills says that people over 60, widows, handicapped people etc are exempt from this bill on their principal residence if they fulfill certain conditions, including...[/quote]

Many thanks for the response.  I think I've got the gist of it now, and as you say, one of the main criteria seems to be the income-related part... unfortunately.  Bit of a surprise when you get a bill out of the blue for over 1000 Euros !!!