Are you used to receiving an income tax return in paper format… and it doesn’t show up in your mailbox? If you declared online in 2023, this is normal, as part of the tax authorities’ paperless strategy.
First possibility: you just need to have a little patience. Paper declarations are in fact gradually sent by the General Directorate of Public Finances since March 29 and until April 26, as explained by the DGFiP during the press conference launching the declarative campaign on April 11. First important information, therefore, if you have not yet received the form: you will perhaps receive it by the end of the month.
Second possibility: no need to wait, you will not receive a declaration in paper format. Indeed, as part of the paperless strategy, the DGFiP does not send a paper form to those who declared their income online last year: In 2024, a paper income tax return is sent to taxpayers who have subscribed to their 2022 income tax return in spring 2023 in paper format (unless they have opted to no longer receive it on paper from 2024)explains the tax administration in its practical brochure.
250 tonnes of paper and plastic packaging will be saved each year
This development, which is part of the generalization of online income declaration (except in special cases provided for by law and in particular in the absence of an internet connection), is also the translation of a co-responsible approach to tax administration, adds the DGFiP on its site. 250 tonnes of paper and plastic packaging will be saved each year by avoiding printing and sending more than 10 million declarations.
If you are one of the teledeclarants, you have or will receive an email from the DGFiP informing you of the opening of the declaration campaign.
Let’s summarize: those who filed a paper declaration in 2023 will receive a paper declaration in 2024, because they are unable to complete the form on the internet. And nobody else.
France Services: help with online declaration, not for filing paper declarations
Beware of misunderstanding! If you are having difficulty with computers, you can go to the France Services area closest to you to ask for help. But no paper declaration can be filed in France Services, warns the tax authorities: Paper declarations must therefore be sent to the relevant service, whose address appears on the pre-filled declaration or in the Contact and Appointment section of the tax site. gouv.fr
To know. If necessary and unable to declare online, you can request a paper document from the tax center closest to you.
Taxes: the good and bad surprises of your 2024 declaration