France's standard corporate income tax (Impôt sur les Sociétés, IS) rate is 25% in 2026. Small and medium-sized companies with turnover under €10 million (and at least 75% of share capital held by individuals) benefit from a reduced 15% rate on the first €42,500 of taxable profit, with 25% applying above that. Large companies with French turnover over €1 billion face an exceptional surtax for fiscal years ending in 2025 and 2026 (20.6%/41.2% of average corporate tax paid), with 98% due as an advance payment by 15 December 2026. A social contribution of 3.3% applies to companies with corporate tax liability exceeding €763,000, on the portion above that threshold.
Reduced SME rate: 15% on first €42,500 of taxable profit (turnover <€10m, ≥75% individual-held share capital); 25% above that.
Exceptional surtax for large companies (>€1bn French turnover) for FY2025/FY2026: 20.6%/41.2% of average corporate tax paid, 98% due as advance payment by 15 Dec 2026.
Additional 3.3% social contribution on corporate tax liability exceeding €763,000 (applied to the portion above that threshold).
Steps
Check SME eligibility for the reduced rate — Turnover under €10m and ≥75% individual-held capital qualifies for 15% on first €42,500 profit.
Apply the 25% standard rate above thresholds — For all other taxable profit.
Check large-company surtax exposure — Applies only to French turnover over €1 billion for FY2025/2026.
Costs
Standard IS rate: 25%
Reduced SME rate (first €42,500 profit): 15%
Social contribution (above €763,000 tax liability): 3.3%
Timelines
Large-company surtax advance payment deadline: 15 December 2026 (98% of amount due)
Common Mistakes
Assuming the 15% reduced SME rate applies to all profit — it only applies to the first €42,500, with 25% above that.
Overlooking the temporary large-company surtax, which is specific to FY2025/FY2026 and only affects companies with >€1bn French turnover.