2026 Shareholder's Practical Guide

Shareholder's factsheets

HOW DO I COMPLETE MY TAX RETURN?

To help you choose between the tax methods available to you, before you complete your 2025 tax return, we recommend using the tax authorities’ simulator available on the impots.gouv.fr website and choosing between the two options proposed below:

STEP 1

OPTION A

I opt for the flat tax (PFU) of 31.4%:

I leave Box 2OP unchecked in Form 2042.

OPTION B

I opt for the progressive scale:

I check Box 2OP in Form 2042.

STEP 2

OPTION A & B

The amount of my dividend, which is pre-completed by the tax authorities, is shown in Box 2BH of Form 2042 (Revenus déjà soumis aux prélèvements sociaux avec CSG déductible si option barème) and any advance withholding tax payment deducted when the dividend was paid is shown in Box 2CK (Prélèvement forfaitaire non libératoire déjà versé en 2025 voir Fiche Pratique n°4).

STEP 3

OPTION A & B

If I made capital gains from sales in 2025, I must enter the amount of these gains in Box 3VG of Form 2042C (Capital gains before allowances), without taking into account allowances.

STEP 4

OPTION B

I enter any allowances for the holding period in Box 3SG of Form 2042C (Abattement pour durée de détention de droit commun).

Please note: the forms and boxes listed in the table above will be announced by the tax authorities in April 2026, after the publication of the 2026 Shareholder Factsheets. Please check that the information provided is correct. If you have any questions, the tax authorities are your primary contact.

TAX ON DIVIDENDS RECEIVED IN 2026 IS PAID IN TWO STAGES

  • 1

    In 2026, when dividends are paid in respect of the 2025 fiscal year:

    • If you sent a request to your account manager for an exemption from advance withholding before November 30, 2025, only the social contributions of 18.6% will be withheld;
    • If you did not send a request to your account manager to benefit from this exemption before November 30, 2025, social contributions of 18.6% will be withheld along with advance withholding of 12.8%, for total advance withholding of 31.4%.
  • 2
    In 2027, when you pay any remaining income tax owing on your 2026 investment income:
    • Only if you had requested an exemption from advance withholding, the remaining dividend tax will be due.