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Taxpayers in France will now face stricter login protocols when accessing their personal tax accounts. The French tax authority, Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP), has officially rolled out mandatory two-factor authentication (2FA) on its online portal, marking a significant change in the country’s tax filing process.
Enhanced Security Amid Rising Cyber Threats
The DGFiP has introduced this additional security layer to bolster the protection of sensitive personal and financial information. With cyber threats such as phishing, identity theft, and unauthorized account access on the rise, two-factor authentication has become essential.
The move is part of France’s broader initiative to strengthen digital safeguards and ensure taxpayer data confidentiality.
How Does the New Authentication Process Work?
Under the new procedure, taxpayers must now follow these steps to log in:
- Enter the 13-digit tax identification number (numéro fiscal) and password as usual.
- A one-time security code will be sent to the email address registered with the tax account.
- Enter the received code to gain access to the online tax portal.
For convenience, if users log in from a trusted device, it will be recognized as secure for up to six months, reducing the need for repeated authentication on the same device.
Who Must Comply?
This update applies to all taxpayers with online tax accounts in France—including non-residents. Foreign taxpayers are required to file a French personal income tax return if they:
- Own rental property in France
- Earn income or work in France
- Are subject to the real estate wealth tax (IFI – Impôt sur la Fortune Immobilière)
The measure is particularly relevant for Belgian investors, foreign property owners, and expatriates with ties to France.
Recommended Action for Taxpayers
Taxpayers are strongly advised to:
- Verify their login credentials and ensure that their email address on impots.gouv.fr is up-to-date.
- Inform external tax advisors or representatives who assist with tax filings to ensure uninterrupted access to their tax accounts.
The DGFiP has begun issuing official notifications via email to inform users of the update. This change underscores the importance of digital vigilance as tax systems become increasingly digitized.
Broader Implications for Tax Professionals
While two-factor authentication may add a minor step to the login process, it enhances data security and aligns with global best practices in digital tax administration. Tax advisors and financial professionals working with clients in France should proactively update internal processes to accommodate this change, ensuring compliance and continuity in tax reporting.
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