Tax benefit for journalists reduced

Journalists in France can currently deduct up to 7,650 euros from their taxable income when they earn less than 93,510 euros per year, thanks to a tax exemption outlined in Article 81 of the General Tax Code. This provision applies to journalists, writers, photographers, newspaper editors, and drama and music critics.

Amendment limits the deduction

On Thursday, October 15, in the first reading at the National Assembly, deputies adopted an amendment to cap this tax benefit, reducing it to 850 euros. Deputies from La France insoumise, who authored the text, noted that this exemption mechanism costs the public treasury 50 million euros annually and primarily benefits the highest earners in the profession.

Critics highlight uneven impact

They provided an example of a journalist with modest income, who does not save "even 11% of 7,650 euros, or 841.5 euros, through this exemption." Conversely, a journalist with an annual income of 91,500 euros, "or more than 7,500 euros per month," subject to a marginal tax rate of 41%, benefits "from a reduction of 3,136.5 euros in their income tax, even though their very comfortable earnings allow them to fully contribute to the funding of public services!"

Capping threshold questioned

The capping at 93,510 euros to benefit from this advantage, an amount almost indecent, does not change this fact, they argue. The National Rally, as it has done for several years, proposed to completely eliminate this tax exemption. Two amendments submitted in this sense were rejected.

Uncertainty remains for the final budget

It remains to be seen whether this measure will be retained in the finally adopted budget. Nothing is certain: the amendment was adopted against the government's opinion, which could choose not to retain it if it decided to pass the text by a 49-3 vote.