Be careful, this announcement of a reduction in property taxes is misleading: your bill will increase

Behind the advertising effects hides a reality any other.

Mayors often boast about it: "This year, the municipal property tax rate remains the same (or falls, for some )." An announcement with great fanfare, which the first residents were delighted with when they informed their residents. Boulogne-Billancourt, Montpellier, Angers, Dijon, Caen, Mantes-la-Jolie, Castres, Moissac… So many municipalities which proudly display their not to touch the owners' wallets and not to increase their bill a little more, from year to year. However, the reality is that is more complex and you will have to write a higher check. than in 2023.

It is not yet time for this tax to be paid and the exact amounts have not yet been determined. addressed to the 20 million French people who must pay it. However, it is necessary to provide for it in the budget since the bill will be higher for everyone, that's a certainty. And this, despite the announcement effects. Because behind the communication lies a method of calculating the property tax which inevitably leads to an increase in the bill.

Every year, & Using a formula that only financial experts are able to understand, the State establishes the rental value of your property, whether it is a house or a apartment. Of this amount, the municipality and the intercommunality each decide to take a percentage. A percentage is also applied, serving as a basis for payment. pay for trash collection (TEOM) and a tax for aquatic environments is also levied.

Town halls and intermunicipalities have communicated with each other. by explaining that their rate did not change in 2024. However, the amount which serves as the basis for calculation increases by 3.9%. This is an automatic increase, based on 2023 inflation. So, even if your mayor says he is making a gesture for your finances, you will still pay more. Two examples to understand.

In 2023, the rental value of Mr. A's house was 1000€. The city applied a rate of 15% (i.e. 150 euros), the intermunicipality applied. 10% (100 euros), the TEOM was 5% (50 euros) and other taxes represented 1% (10 euros). In total, Mr. A therefore paid 310 euros property tax. Good news, in 2024, all rates remain the same. But its bill will still increase since the rental value increases by 3.9%, or 1039 euros. The city will therefore collect 155.85 euros, the intercommunality will therefore receive 155.85 euros. 103.90€, the TEOM will be 51.95€ and other taxes of 10.39%, i.e. a total à pay 322.09€.

For Mr. B, it's even better: his city has announced lower its rate. But this does not guarantee a reduction in the bill. To do this, the rate must fall by at least 1.95 points, for example going from 15 to 100 points. 13.05% or 40% 38.05%. So be careful with the announcement effects to avoid an unpleasant surprise.