The tax declaration season is fast approaching, and if you have a garden, there’s a tax advantage you shouldn’t overlook!
Case 7DB: The Box You Must Check if You Have a Garden!
Starting from April 10th, all French citizens will need to fill out their income tax declaration. As every year, many taxpayers will miss out on potential savings due to a lack of information. One of the most common mistakes involves not checking box 7DB, which pertains to gardening work.
Whether you are a homeowner or a tenant, you are entitled to an important tax exemption: up to 50% of the expenses incurred for gardening work, capped at 5000 euros per year for each tax household. This means you can recover up to 2500 euros annually!
However, please note that this demand only applies to private spaces: if you live in a shared apartment, the common areas cannot be taken into account.
How to Benefit from This Tax Advantage?
To take advantage of this exemption, just follow a few simple yet essential steps. First, ensure that you meet the following criteria:
- Be an individual residing in France.
- Hire a registered professional for your gardening work.
- Pay the fees by bank transfer, credit card, CESU, or check, to keep accurate records that you should preserve.
Next, when filling out your tax declaration, be sure to check the famous box 7DB on form 2042 RICI and accurately indicate the amount spent. If this is your first year declaring such expenses, don’t forget to check box 7DQ as well.
For those with a rental property, you will also need to complete form 2044 at line 224.
Which Gardening Works Are Covered by Box 7DB?
To qualify for this tax benefit, the following gardening tasks are eligible:
- Grass cutting
- Weeding
- Maintenance of flower beds
- Harvesting fruits and vegetables
- Hoeing and watering
- Maintaining the vegetable garden or orchard
- Cleaning your outdoor space
- Disposing of green waste
After your declaration, the tax authority will perform the necessary calculations and you will be refunded via bank transfer by the end of July. If no refund is received by the end of August, feel free to contact your tax center directly.
