Tax refund and payment timeline in France: key dates to know 

Here is some helpful information on when to expect tax refunds to arrive as well as when additional tax payments are due on 2023 income statements in France.

As the old adage goes, the only sure things in life are death and taxes. Whilst the first is completely random, the second usually comes like clockwork in the form of annual tax returns. 

In France, people living and working in the country have already completed their 2023 returns, and for the vast majority, these are done for the year. There are those, though, who have, for one reason or another, over or under paid. 

In these cases, the French have set out timelines to let the public know when they can expect to see their reimbursements and to alert those who need to pay supplemental amounts when they are due. 

TAX REFUNDS IN FRANCE

People can be eligible for reimbursement if the amount withheld in 2023 as part of the withholding tax exceeds the final amount of the tax paid, or if the person is entitled to a refund of tax credits or reductions. 

In most of these cases, the government has said they will be transferring the balance owed on either 24th or 31st July to the recipient’s bank account. For those who have not given bank details, a cheque will be posted by mail to the person’s home. 

WHEN TO EXPECT PAYMENTS

In the instance that a person owes more than was withheld during the year, they are responsible for paying the balance due. This happens when the taxpayer has not updated a withholding rate or they were sent an excessive tax credit or reduction advance in January 2024. 

The repayment schedule for this begins on 26th September, when the government automatically withdrawals the amount from the person’s bank account. It will be taken as a lump sum if the amount owed is less than €300, and in four installations in the figure exceeds €300. 

In order to be in compliance, all taxpayers who owe must have current bank details on file with the General Directorate of Public Finance (DGFiP). The deadline to ensure this is completed in 15th September. 

For more specific information on this and other French tax-related issues, click here.

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Photo Credit: John Vid on Unsplash 

 

The Prince’s Carabiniers announce new recruitment drive

La Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince, a military guard dedicated to protecting the Princely family of Monaco, is looking for new recruits to join its historic ranks. 

The Company, which was founded in 1817 under Prince Honoré IV, is comprised of 124 elite guards who are tasked with ensuring the safety of the Prince of Monaco and his family under the motto ‘Honour, Loyalty and Devotion’.  

The corps also contributes to daily life in the Principality, and its members are often seen participating in festivals, sporting events and cultural occasions. The Orchestre des Carabiniers du Prince is well-known for its talented performers.  

HOW TO APPLY 

The Company is currently on the lookout for new candidates and is accepting applications until 9th August. To be considered for the role, a person must be French or Monegasque, aged between 19 and 27 on the day of enlistment, and be between 1.80m and 2m tall.  

Furthermore, they are required to be single, with marriage permitted at the end of the one-year probationary period, and applicants must have a clean criminal record, be free of visible tattoos and hold a class B driving licence for manual transmission driving.  

Musician candidates must have a CEM/DEM level music reading and instrumental mastery.  

In addition to these requisites, a rigorous interview process must be undertaken. This programme includes a competitive examination including general knowledge tests, physical aptitude, and medical and psychological examinations. 

For more information, click here.   

 

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Photo credit: Palais Princier de Monaco

Dworld launches beta version of Monaco Metaverse

Monegasque startup Dworld has launched the beta version of its Monaco Metaverse, offering an immersive digital experience that bridges reality and virtual interaction, amid plans to expand the ecosystem.

Dworld, a leading Monegasque innovator in digital experiences, unveiled the beta version of its Monaco Metaverse on Thursday 25th July, after launching the alpha version last year. The beta version of the Monaco Metaverse aims to transform virtual interactions by providing a detailed digital representation of the Principality. 

“We are thrilled to introduce the Monaco Metaverse, a project that embodies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital innovation,” said Manila di Giovanni, CEO of Dworld. “By merging Monaco’s opulence with advanced virtual technology, we create an unparalleled digital experience that captivates and inspires users worldwide.”

The Monaco Metaverse includes realistic virtual environments with detailed digital recreations of Monaco’s iconic landmarks, streets, and venues. It also offers immersive social interactions with enhanced social features that enable users to connect, collaborate, and share experiences. 

Additionally, the platform provides exclusive digital content, including unique virtual events, art exhibitions, and entertainment offerings accessible only within the Monaco Metaverse. Carbon-neutral travel options for personalising avatars and digital spaces also reflect Monaco’s luxury and exclusivity.

See more: Pelagos Sanctuary goes digital with new immersive conservation experience

When asked how to access this metaverse, di Giovanni explained, “Users can just download it on their laptops through the Dworld platform, and if they have a gaming laptop, they can also use the VR headset.”

Changing the digital landscape

Dworld, established in 2021 by di Giovanni, is a pioneering Monegasque company that creates immersive digital environments that enhance user experiences. After completing IUM (International University of Monaco), di Giovani spotted a technological gap in the Principality after her numerous work experiences in Singapore and China. Therefore, Dworld focuses on innovation, quality, and user engagement to redefine the possibilities within the digital landscape.

“I created what became the world’s first metaverse of a real-world country, the Principality of Monaco, before even Facebook changed its name to Meta and other countries and cities started to announce their entrance into the Metaverse,” Di Giovanni told Monaco Life.

Dworld’s next step

Looking ahead, Manila di Giovanni and Dworld’s next project is creating a metaverse of Valletta, Malta. “We signed recently in June with the government of Malta so we will be launching the alpha of Valletta in October 2024,” revealed di Giovanni to Monaco Life.

All of these metaverses will be interconnected in the Dworld platform as one ecosystem that is currently being created. 

“This ecosystem enables countries to increment the level of tourism and also the level of GDP as we are also enabling the companies to sell within the metaverse, so it’s a new marketing opportunity to reach a global audience and a new sales channel,” said di Giovanni.

See more: Pelagos Sanctuary goes digital with new immersive conservation experience

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Photo: Manila di Giovanni demonstrating the beta version of the Monaco Metaverse, credit: Niki Borisova for Monaco Life

 

Seasonal and temporary jobs on the rise in Monaco

Close to 7,000 temporary or seasonal workers found short-term employment in the Principality of Monaco in 2023, up more than 12% on figures from the previous year. The biggest demand came from the construction industry, followed by Monaco’s many hotels, bars and restaurants. 

In all, IMSEE, Monaco’s official statistical agency, recorded 6,878 temporary or seasonal workers in 2023. Around 40% of these workers were of French nationality, just over 20% were Portuguese and about 15% were Italian. Monegasque nationals are described in IMSEE’s report as being “practically absent” from the population of temporary workers. 

Seasonal or temporary workers tend to be male, with men making up 87% of the workforce in 2023.  

Almost all of the workers – 98% – travelled into the Principality from the Alpes-Maritimes, but not necessarily from nearby. As few as 900, or 13.8%, lived in one of the four French municipalities that border Monaco.  

The Principality is home to 17 temporary work agencies. According to the local Trade and Industry Register, these agencies generated close to €270 million in revenue over the course of the year. This is a 10% increase on 2022’s figures and reflects the 12% boom in the number of available positions and workers from 2022 to 2023.  

48,000 different assignments were handed out in Monaco last year. The construction sector was responsible for just over 45% of these posts, while the hospitality industry put up 18% of the jobs. Positions in the scientific and technical administrative and support service activities represented an additional 12.8%, with the remainder being spread across the retail, real estate, trade and transport sectors.  

Around a quarter of the jobs lasted just a single day, and a further 23% covered between two and seven days.  

The hotel and food service sector was by far the biggest one-day employer, with eight in 10 workers only coming on board for a day.  

Read more:

How much do private sector workers earn in Monaco?

  

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Photo source: Kim Taehoon, Unsplash

Exploring the history, culture and culinary traditions of the Principality of Seborga

Nestled in the hills of Liguria, at around an hour’s drive from Monaco, the pretty village of Seborga combines provincial charm with a fascinating history and a strong sense of identity. 

The 400 or so inhabitants of Seborga proudly proclaim this hilltop municipality to be a principality, just like Monaco, albeit officially unrecognised by Italy and its other neighbours.  

Its residents trace Seborga’s history back to 954CE, when Benedictine monks established the small town, but there are archaeological traces that suggest that there may have been people living here well before then.  

Seborga has operated as an independent principality for centuries, with its own currency, stamps and even a Prince. Today, Seborga has Princess Nina Döbler Menegatto at its head.

See more: Princess Nina: “I want to put Seborga on the map”

This strong spirit of independence and national identity has never faded, despite the lack of official recognition, and vistors to Seborga will see Seborgan flags flying from many of the principality’s balconies, shops and buildings.  

The village’s historical intrigue is centered on its medieval architecture, cobblestone streets and charming churches; the 14th century Church of Saint Bernard, located at the entrance of the village and surrounded by lavender plots, is of particular note. It is the site of many of Seborga’s religious and cultural festivals, including its National Day celebrations on 20th August. 

See more: Four little-known French villages near Monaco that are worth a visit

Just off the Piazzetta, the heart of the village, is the 1615CE Church of Saint Martin, with its glorious Baroque façade, frescoes and important artworks. 

Next to the church is the Palace of the Monks and the Seborgan Mint. It features historical inscriptions and the Seborgan crest, and has served various roles, having been a residence for monks, a town hall, a school and now a private residence.  

Osteria Del Coniglio 

One of Seborga’s main attractions is the Osteria Del Coniglio. The restaurant is known for its warm hospitality, rustic ambiance and local cuisine, and has been in the hands of the same family since 1902. Today, it is run by Nonna Viviana. 

The Osteria Del Coniglio will transport you back in time. Photo by Monaco Life

The menu focuses on traditional Ligurian dishes and regional specialties. The Osteria’s signature dish is Coniglio alla Ligure, which features olives, pine nuts, aromatic herbs and, of course, rabbit.  

During the week, the restaurant is open for lunch between 12.30pm and 2.30pm. The weekend is all about the dinner service, with hours from 7.30pm until 9pm on Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant is closed every Tuesday.  

To see more of Seborga, watch the Monaco Life reel below:

 

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Photos by Monaco Life 

 

Summer fair coming to Port Hercule in August

summer fair

All throughout the month of August, Monaco’s Port Hercule will be home to a huge summer funfair. There will be sporting activities galore, with everything from football and basketball courts to a go-karting track and a Ninja course, as well as plenty of opportunities for shopping and snacking. 

Between 1st and 25th August, the Mairie de Monaco will be hosting the annual Summer in Port Hercule funfair. This year’s event combines family-friendly activities and old favourites, such as the carousel and bouncy castles, with top notch sporting experiences and a good helping of culture.  

Among the activities on offer will be basketball courts and a mini football pitch and target zone courtesy of AS Monaco, a go-karting track for those over the age of three, trampolines and Ninja courses for all ages. 

Member villages and towns from the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco network will be joining the fun, and there will be dozens of stalls selling food and goods from these historically connected communes.  

The funfair will also coincide with a number of special events, such as the bouncy castle and DJ nights from 6pm on 3rd and 17th August, and the drone show on 9th August from 9.30pm.  

For more information and the hours of operation, click here.

Read related:

Port Hercule’s summer fête to celebrate culture and connections

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Photo credit: Mairie de Monaco