The idea of a tax on garden vegetable production has sparked concern among many French people. But at a time when fake news is blooming faster than radishes in spring, we'll help you sort out the truth from the lies.
Where does the vegetable garden tax come from?
The rumor of a vegetable garden tax is not new. Its roots lie in an article published on the satirical website Actualite.co, which claimed that the government was considering taxing all vegetable gardens larger than 20 m2 to the tune of €200 per year to compensate for the loss of income for professional farmers. The news was quickly picked up and distorted on social media, sparking outrage among gardening enthusiasts and the creation of online petitions. A good fake news story like dozens of others on the web.
Yet, as early as 2016, the media and public authorities had already denied this information, pointing out that no such measure was under consideration. The Ministry of Finance itself had reaffirmed that there were no plans to tax the production of private vegetable gardens. In any case, it would be very difficult to monitor this type of production, unless you were to invite yourself into every garden in France.
Not a single penny for the State
French law is clear: there is no specific tax on the simple production of vegetables in one's garden, even if the surface area exceeds 20 square meters. Gardeners can continue to grow their fruits and vegetables without fear of a new tax. Note, however, that the sale of vegetable garden produce is not completely exempt from taxation. If an individual decides to sell their harvest, they must follow certain rules. In France, the occasional sale of fruits and vegetables from a vegetable garden of less than 500 square meters, attached to the house, is considered a secondary income and is generally not taxable. On the other hand, if the vegetable garden is not attached to the home or if the sale becomes a main activity, the income may be taxed as agricultural income, up to an annual turnover of €85,800.
A rumor that's making waves on social media
This fake news, although repeatedly denied, continues to reappear periodically, particularly during periods of social or economic tension. With inflation and declining purchasing power, the fear of a new tax has not failed to strike a chord with internet users.
0 Comments