French taxman targets ex-pats

The French authorities are to open an English speaking tax office to increase the tax take from expatriates and holiday home owners.

The office in the south west French region of Bergerac will be officially opened by the French finance minister Thierry Breton on Friday, although the office has been offering its services to ex-pats since March, says the Financial Times. According to the French finance ministry, if the office is a success, more offices will open across France.

The number of British–based registered in the Dordogne is reported to have risen by 33% last year and the numbers of visitors looking to move permanently continues to grow, fuelled by cheap flights from budget carriers. Ryanair and FlyBe are expected to launch routes between Bergerac and Nottingham, Leeds, Liverpool and Exeter.