France outlines 2026 tax refund schedule and PEA investment tax rules

The French tax administration has released the official 2026 timetable for tax notices and refunds. Notices will be posted online between 24 July and 31 July 2026, and refunds of any over‑paid tax via withholding can be issued from 24 July or 31 July, provided taxpayers update their bank details before 1 July. Additional checks and possible balances will be settled in the autumn, and taxpayers are warned about fraudulent emails promising refunds.

For the Plan d’Épargne en Actions (PEA), 2026 rules confirm that gains remain exempt from income tax if the plan is held for at least five years, with only social contributions still payable. Withdrawals before the five‑year mark trigger a flat‑tax regime of 12.8 % income tax plus social contributions (about 31.4 % total). After five years, earnings are free from income tax but remain subject to social contributions. Investors are advised to open a PEA early to start the five‑year clock and to watch for management fees.