French CPA for Americans in Paris | Bilingual Tax Expert
Bilingual accounting firm specializing in Franco-American taxation. FATCA, FBAR, 1040-NR, France-US tax treaty compliance.
Why choose Hayot Expertise for Americans in Paris?
Are you an American living in Paris or a French person working with US clients? Franco-American taxation is one of the most complex in the world. The United States is one of the only countries that taxes its citizens on their worldwide income, regardless of where they live. French CPA for Americans in Paris, Hayot Expertise is a bilingual firm that understands both tax systems and supports you on both sides of the Atlantic.
- Dedicated team, response guaranteed within 24 working hours
- Digital interface, paperless, 24/7 access
- Transparent pricing, no hidden fees
- Firm registered with the Order of Chartered Accountants
Our expertise tailored to your business
Franco-American Tax & Tax Treaty
Mastery of the France-US tax treaty, Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), Foreign Tax Credit, and cross-border filing obligations (FBAR, FATCA, Form 8938, Form 3520).
American Expats & Franco-US Entrepreneurs
Support for Americans living in France (1040 filing, ITIN, EIN) and French nationals with US business activities (LLC, corporation, 1040-NR).
Our services in Americans in Paris
A comprehensive offering designed for entrepreneurs, executives and investors.
Accounting & financial statements
Bookkeeping, tax returns, monthly dashboards.
Tax optimisation
Corporate tax, income tax, VAT, R&D credits.
Payroll & HR
Payslips, employment contracts, HR management.
Business structuring
Entity choice, incorporation, fundraising, shareholder agreements.
Wealth & real estate
Real estate companies, wealth planning, inheritance.
International & expats
Expats, transfer pricing, foreign accounts, double taxation.
The economic ecosystem of Americans in Paris
Paris hosts the largest American expat community in France (approximately 100,000 Americans in Île-de-France). The Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 16th arrondissement and Neuilly-sur-Seine neighborhoods concentrate a large American population. Tax challenges are significant: US citizens must report their worldwide income to the IRS, even while living in France. The France-US tax treaty avoids double taxation but requires deep expertise to optimize.
Areas served
How to work with us
Free audit
We analyse your situation in 30 minutes, with no commitment.
Tailored proposal
Clear and transparent quote, tailored to your activity and budget.
Ongoing support
Your dedicated accountant responds within 24h, available year-round.
Practical Guide — Franco-American Taxation
Everything you need to know about doing business in Americans in Paris
Tax obligations for Americans in France
US citizens must report their worldwide income to the IRS each year (Form 1040). The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE, Form 2555) allows excluding up to $126,500 of foreign-earned income (2024). The Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116) allows crediting French taxes paid against US tax. Most expats pay no US tax thanks to the FTC, but must still file.
FBAR and FATCA: bank account reporting obligations
The FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) is mandatory if the aggregate of your foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the year. FATCA (Form 8938) applies if your foreign financial assets exceed $200,000 (single) or $400,000 (married). Penalties for non-filing FBAR can reach $10,000 per violation (up to $100,000 for willful violation). This is the most costly mistake expats make.
France-US Tax Treaty: avoiding double taxation
The France-US tax treaty (signed in 1994) determines which country has the right to tax each type of income. Salaries are generally taxed in the country of residence. Dividends and interest benefit from reduced withholding rates. Real estate capital gains are taxed in the country where the property is located. We optimize your tax position by fully utilizing the treaty.
Business creation: US LLC for French residents
A French resident owning a US LLC is taxed in France on the LLC's income (tax transparency). The LLC must be reported on the French tax return (form 2257) and income is taxable in France. The choice between LLC and US corporation has a major tax impact. We support you in structuring your transatlantic business optimally.
Frequently asked questions — Chartered accountant in Americans in Paris
Answers to questions entrepreneurs in Americans in Paris ask most
Do I need to pay US taxes if I live in France?
In principle, yes — US citizens must report their worldwide income to the IRS. However, thanks to the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion ($126,500 in 2024) and the Foreign Tax Credit (crediting French taxes), most expats pay no additional US tax. But filing is still mandatory, and penalties for non-filing are heavy.
What is the FBAR and who must file it?
The FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) is mandatory for any US citizen whose aggregate foreign financial accounts exceed $10,000 at any time during the year. This includes French bank accounts, life insurance, brokerage accounts and certain retirement accounts. Filing is via FinCEN Form 114 before April 15. Penalties can reach $10,000 per violation.
How does the France-US tax treaty work?
The France-US tax treaty avoids double taxation by assigning the right to tax each type of income to a specific country. Salaries are taxed in the country of residence. Dividends benefit from a reduced withholding rate (15%). Real estate capital gains are taxed in the country where the property is located. We optimize your situation by fully utilizing the treaty.
Can I have a US LLC while living in France?
Yes, but the LLC is fiscally transparent: its income is taxed directly in your hands in France. You must report the LLC on your French tax return (form 2257) and pay French tax on the income. The choice between LLC (transparency) and corporation (separate taxation) has a major tax impact. We help you choose the optimal structure.
Is Hayot Expertise certified to prepare US tax returns?
Our firm has deep expertise in Franco-American taxation. We prepare US returns (1040, FBAR, FATCA, 8938, 3520) and French returns (2042, 2047, 2257) in a coordinated manner to optimize your overall tax situation.
How much does a bilingual CPA for Americans in Paris cost?
Fees vary based on the complexity of your situation. For an expat with 1040 + French filing: €500-1,500/year. For an entrepreneur with LLC/corporation: €1,000-3,000/year. Our firm offers transparent flat rates tailored to American expats.
Useful resources for your business
Let's meet
Whether by video (100% remote) or at the office, we are available to audit your accounting.