When is my French VAT return (CA3) due?
Between the 15th and 24th of the month after the period. The exact day is set for each company and shown in its espace professionnel. AccountsOS seeds the 15th so a return is never late.
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Detailed Explanation
## The window
The CA3 is filed between the 15th and 24th of the month following the period. Your own date is in your espace professionnel on impots.gouv.fr.
## Monthly or quarterly
At the réel normal the CA3 is monthly, or quarterly when the annual VAT due is under EUR 4,000. From 1 January 2027 the simplified regime ends, and every business that is not in the franchise en base files the CA3, quarterly by default when prior-year turnover is up to EUR 1 million and current-year turnover is up to EUR 1.1 million.
## Filing and payment
Filing and payment are electronic and compulsory. Payment is by SEPA B2B direct debit, available once the return is validated.
## How Finn helps
Finn prepares the CA3 figures and sets the deadline on the 15th. The company or its expert-comptable files the return.
Source: https://www.impots.gouv.fr/professionnel/tva
Real-World Examples
Quarterly filer
Turnover under EUR 1 million in 2026: a quarterly CA3 by default from 2027.
Monthly filer
A larger business files twelve CA3s a year, each between the 15th and 24th.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming the 15th is the legal date when yours may be later
- Forgetting the SEPA B2B mandate
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find my exact date?
In your espace professionnel on impots.gouv.fr.
Practical Tips
- File early in the window
- Reconcile the bank before you file
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