the legal trick to avoid paying it if you are retired

The property tax is a tax that millions of French people must pay each year. However, some retirees are exempt.

In 2024, the property tax continues to weigh on the ownerswith significant increases observed in many municipalities. But, be aware that retirees may be exempt under this condition.

The property tax returns in 2024

The property tax is a local tax calculated on the cadastral rental value real estate. In France, it mainly finances local authorities, such as municipalities and intercommunalities.

The year 2024 marked a new revaluation of the cadastral bases, indexed to inflation. Depending on price developments, this increase is estimated at around 7%.

Which directly impacts the amount of the tax. In addition, some communities decided to increase their rates, aggravating the tax burden for owners.

For example, Paris saw a spectacular increase of 52% in 2023, a strong signal current trends. To reduce this burden, certain exemption or reduction schemes apply.

Seniors, taxpayers with modest income. As well as those who are entitled to the Allowance for Disabled Adults (AAH) can benefit from it under conditions.

Owners of vacant or unbuilt housing are therefore not spared. But measures to encourage energy renovation, like MaPrimeRénov', help to counterbalance this impact.

A tax that sparks controversy

Debates continue around this tax, considered unfair by some due to significant local disparities. The reform of cadastral values, planned for a long time, but without a precise timetableremains awaited.

And this, with the aim of modernizing and making the system fairer. In 2024, owners must so stay vigilant local developments and relief measures to anticipate the impact of this tax.

Property tax represents a significant burden for many owners in France. However, in 2025, certain retirees with modest incomes will be able to claim an exemption.

For example, for a purchase made after this date, the previous owner remains liable for the tax for the entire year. In the event of dismemberment of property, the usufructuary is therefore generally responsible for payment, hisuf agreement to the contrary.

The amount varies according to criteria such as surface area and property equipment. Thus, a large house with a swimming pool will necessarily be taxed more than a small studio.

And good news for low-income retirees: specific measures allow them to reduce, or even cancel, their property tax. The conditions are multiple.

Retirees exempt from property tax

Those who have the right to Aspa or disability allowance are concerned, with a total exemption without income conditions. For retirees over 75 years old, a deletion applies if the reference tax income (RFR) does not exceed €12,704.

And an additional €3,393 per half-share (or €19,490 for a couple). A drop of 100 € on the tax, subject to respecting the same ceilings, also applies to retirees.

If the abolition of the housing tax for main residences has reduced the pressure taxthe property tax remains a burden for owners. With increases linked to inflation, the needs of local authorities and the revaluation of rental bases.

However, the exemption therefore does not concern the removal tax household waste (TEOM). It remains due even for all French people.

These exemption measures, in a tense economic context, bring relief welcome to vulnerable seniors. Particularly in the face of increasing local costs and they are part of a policy aimed at supporting their purchasing power and limiting precariousness.