As the year draws to a close, you have a unique opportunity to make a difference—and enjoy significant tax benefits at the same time. In France, charitable donations aren’t just acts of kindness; they’re smart financial moves that can reduce or deduct donated amounts from your income tax by up to 75%.
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Why Donate Before End of the Year?
Under French tax law, donations made to eligible organizations before the end of the year can be deducted from your income tax:
- 75% tax reduction for donations to organizations helping people in need (up to €1,000).
- 66% tax reduction for donations to other public-interest associations.
That means a €100 donation could cost you as little as €25 after your tax deduction. It’s a win-win: you support a cause you care about and optimize your tax return.
Learn more here about How to pay less taxes in France.
myFrenchMoney tip!
Notice that you can donate as much as 20% of your taxable income and benefit from the 66% deduction. You have the possibility to postpone the income deduction for future fiscal years (up to 5 years).
How to Make Your Donation Count?
- Choose an organization recognized as being of public interest or helping those in need.
- Make your donation before December 31.
- Keep your tax receipt—it’s essential for your next tax declaration.
In France, eligible organizations for tax-deductible donations must meet specific criteria under the tax code. Here’s how to identify them:
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Your donation must go to an organization that:
- Is non-profit (association loi 1901 or foundation).
- Has a socially beneficial purpose (philanthropic, educational, scientific, social, humanitarian, cultural, environmental, etc.).
- Operates with disinterested management (no private benefit to a small group of people).
How to Check Eligibility?
- Look for the mention “association d’intérêt général” or “fondation reconnue d’utilité publique” on their website.
- Verify they issue a “reçu fiscal” (tax receipt) for donations.
- Consult the official Service Public page on donations for details
Examples of Eligible Organizations
- Charities helping people in need (food, shelter, medical aid).
- Cultural and educational associations.
- Environmental protection groups.
- Foundations recognized as being of public utility.
- Heritage conservation foundations.
- Accredited higher education or arts institutions.
A short list of some well-known organizations
✅ 1. Armée du Salut (Salvation Army France)
Provides social aid, shelters, and reintegration programs.
https://www.armeedusalut.fr
✅ 2. Institut Pasteur
Medical research and public health initiatives.
https://www.pasteur.fr/en/support-us/how-support-us/tax-deductible-donations
✅ 3. Fondation de France
Supports multiple causes: health, education, environment, social inclusion.
https://www.fondationdefrance.org
✅ 4. Secours Catholique – Caritas France
Humanitarian aid and poverty alleviation.
https://www.secours-catholique.org
✅ 5. Les Restos du Cœur
Provides food and assistance to those in need.
https://www.restosducoeur.org
✅ 6. Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale (FRM)
Funds medical research projects.
https://www.frm.org
✅ 7. UNICEF
Humanitarian aid around the world.
https://don.unicef.fr/
Act Now—Don’t Miss Out
Every euro you give today is a gesture of solidarity and a smart financial decision. The clock is ticking, and this opportunity disappears at midnight on December 31.
➡️ Donate now !!!
Your generosity today will make a real impact tomorrow.
Conclusion and final thoughts
Growing your wealth is important—but creating a world with less suffering and fewer inequalities is even more meaningful. By donating and optimizing your taxes, you can achieve both in one powerful step!
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