France’s Le Maire wants heavier taxation for Airbnb rentals

PARIS — French Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire on Friday proposed to raise taxes on Airbnb rentals, bringing them in line with ordinary, non-tourist rentals.

“I struggle to understand the [reason for the] very favorable taxation that applies today to Airbnb. We will reform this taxation and I will make proposals,” Le Maire told RCM/BFMTV.

In France, rentals of furnished accommodation for tourists, including via Airbnb, benefit from a special tax rebate.

Le Maire said his ministry was working on the file and that he would present proposals to French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne and President Emmanuel Macron to bring that taxation in line with normal, non-tourist rentals. No details on the timing of such a proposal were provided.

“The only concern is fairness. If there are too many windfall effects and the tax system is too favorable, there is no reason to keep this taxation that leads to excesses,” said Le Maire.

Earlier this week, junior minister for cities and housing Olivier Klein also said he was in favor of raising Airbnb taxes. French lawmakers also proposed a bill to further regulate and tax Airbnb, but the text has been postponed indefinitely.

Laura Kayali contributed reporting.