Jan 9, 2012

Starting a Business in France as an Auto-Entrepreneur

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One of the first things you need to do is to select the activity you plan on pursuing from a list provided by the government.  Activities are divided and taxed based on the category it falls in. For instance, if you are a plumber, then you will have to state that you will be starting a plumbing business. Auto-entrepreneurs will be registered either under RSI or under CIPAV. There is not one sole tax agency, like the IRS is in the USA.You will be under CIPAV if you are an architect, psychologist, consultant or perform a similar type of activity. Everyone else will fall under RSI. If you … [Read more...]

cheque stylo et facture
Dec 21, 2011

Opening a Checking Account in France with a French Bank

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After living in France for over 1.5 years, it was about time for me to open a bank account. I have been delaying this out of pure laziness. All the money I make goes into my US bank account and then I transfer it to my husband's French account here using xe.com. Transfers from the USA to France is free and I get better rates than with a bank. I used his ATM card to withdraw money as needed.This was a great system until I started my auto-entrepreneur business in France and am registered with social security. If my husband ever gets audited, it would look like he is not declaring all of his … [Read more...]

juliana french american
Dec 14, 2011

Taking Parenting Advice from My American or Husband’s French Family

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I wrote an article before giving birth about the French parental style. After giving birth to my daughter, I realize now that I must clarify something in my last post about French parental styles. The French do not judge other parents, but they certainly do judge their relatives.I do not believe in the cry-it-out method of parenting, which is popular in France. If my daughter cries, I am going to run to pick her up. I do not care if it is to be fed or if she just needs some cuddling time. Both are equally important in my eyes. I understand that there are times when she just cries and … [Read more...]

Giving Birth in France
Oct 24, 2011

Giving Birth in France – My Birth Story

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On October 6, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl in the small city of Bayeux in France. Juliana was born on her French due date and not a moment sooner than she was ready. We had an eventful, long and difficult labor – of which, I have mixed feelings about my experience at this French hospital.Early afternoon on October 6, my husband’s mother was visiting us to help clean and bring me one of her delicious homemade tarts. … [Read more...]