The Court of Audit has urged a review of tax loopholes as part of the upcoming 2027 finance bill, aiming to stabilize public finances. Tax loopholes are provisions in the tax system that allow some taxpayers to pay less than the standard rate, often through exemptions, lower rates, or deductions from income. These loopholes currently consist of 470 different systems, a number that has grown from 400 at the start of the 2000s. Over time, these mechanisms have been introduced to support specific sectors like real estate or domestic employment, or to assist individuals facing difficult personal circumstances, such as the elderly or people with disabilities. According to estimates from 2024, the total cost of these loopholes was 89.5 billion euros, rising to 92 billion euros in 2025. This amount represents about a quarter of total tax revenues. However, the actual effectiveness of these measures in achieving their intended goals is unclear, and their impact on public finances is not well understood or measured. In a report released on October 1st, the Council of Mandatory Levies, which operates under the Court of Audit, stated that the number of tax loopholes is excessive and their stability is questionable. The council members suggested that these loopholes should be subject to more rigorous scrutiny. One proposed measure is to impose time limits on these tax exemptions, ensuring that their continuation is based on a detailed, transparent evaluation rather than being decided through parliamentary debate. This approach would aim to reduce the political influence behind these exemptions, which are often seen as special favors given to certain professions or industries. The council also recommended expanding the base for calculating the "differential contribution on high incomes," a tax introduced in 2025 to ensure that the wealthiest households pay a minimum tax rate. The exact scope of this expansion—such as which individuals or sectors would be affected and by how much—remains under discussion.