How have we selected these tax representatives?
Our selection is built on DGFiP accreditation as an absolute criterion, supplemented by verification of specialities, experience, and quality of service. All listed professionals have been verified against these criteria before being included in our directory.
- DGFiP accreditation verified and up to date
- Speciality matching the client's profile (VAT, property, e-commerce…)
- Significant experience in tax representation
- Responsiveness and quality client service
For which situations should you choose a tax representative?
These 10 questions are for any non-resident or foreign company with tax obligations in France, whether related to VAT, capital gains on property, or e-commerce. Adapt the questions to your profile:
- Non-EU company liable for French VAT
- Non-resident selling property in France
- E-commerce seller or marketplace vendor storing goods in France
The 10 essential questions to ask
Question 1 — Are you accredited by the DGFiP?
This is the fundamental, non-negotiable question. Ask to see the accreditation certificate or accreditation number, which you can verify with the competent French Tax Office (SIE). A serious tax representative will provide this information without hesitation.
Question 2 — What is your main area of speciality?
Not all tax representatives are specialists in all fields. Some excel in e-commerce VAT but have little experience with capital gains on property, and vice versa. Make sure your file matches the professional's core expertise.
Question 3 — Do you have clients with a situation similar to mine?
Client references (anonymised) are a good indicator. A tax representative accustomed to handling files like yours — same country of origin, same type of transaction — will be more effective and less prone to error.
Question 4 — What are your fees and how are they calculated?
Fees vary depending on the complexity of the file, the volume of VAT returns to manage, and the services included. Ask for a detailed quote. Be wary of abnormally low fees, which may conceal additional charges not mentioned upfront.
Question 5 — What obligations exactly does your mandate cover?
The tax representation mandate must specify its scope: VAT only, capital gains, rental income, etc. Make sure all your French tax obligations are covered, or that you have another professional handling any obligations not included.
Question 6 — Who will be my day-to-day contact?
In larger firms, your file may be handled by a junior employee. Ask to know your direct contact, their background, and experience. The quality of communication is critical to avoiding errors and delays.
Question 7 — What are your turnaround times for urgent matters?
Some tax situations are urgent: an imminent notary signing date, a DGFiP formal notice, an ongoing audit. Your tax representative must be able to handle these urgencies within timescales compatible with your schedule.
Question 8 — How do you manage communication with the DGFiP?
Ask how you will be kept informed of correspondence received from the administration, any reminders, or audits. A good tax representative forwards copies of exchanges with the DGFiP and proactively keeps you informed of your file's progress.
Question 9 — What is your procedure in the event of a tax audit?
A tax audit remains possible even for well-managed files. Your tax representative must be capable of conducting your defence before the DGFiP, or referring you to a tax lawyer if the situation requires. Ask how this scenario is handled.
Question 10 — What are the termination conditions of the mandate?
End-of-engagement conditions must be clear from the outset: notice period, conditions for returning documents, management of ongoing obligations at the time of termination. A well-drafted mandate protects your interests in the event of a change of representative.