Why you need a tax number quickly
Your tax identification number (or SPI — 13 digits) is essential to access your personal account on impots.gouv.fr, file your first income tax return, and respond to certain administrative requests (bank, CAF, CPAM). If you've just arrived in France and have never paid tax here, you don't have one yet — you need to request one.
The standard procedure: your first income tax return
The most direct way to get a tax number is to file your first income tax return on paper (form 2042) with the Service des Impôts des Particuliers for your home address. Even if your income is zero or very small, this declaration is needed to obtain the number. Your tax number will appear on your first tax notice.
You need the number urgently?
If you urgently need a tax number (to open a bank account, sign a lease, access a benefit), contact your SIP by phone or in person. Explain your situation and the reason for urgency. Some SIPs can issue a temporary tax number on request at the counter, with your passport, residence permit, and proof of address in France.
Tax obligations for foreigners in France
If you reside in France for more than 183 days per year, you're considered a French tax resident and must declare all your worldwide income in France — not just your French income. Bilateral tax conventions avoid double taxation with your country of origin.
Tax number and social security number: don't confuse them
Many people confuse the tax number (SPI, 13 digits, starts with 0) with the social security number (NIR, 15 digits, starts with 1 or 2). They are two separate identifiers for two different administrations. Make sure you use the correct number depending on which administration you're dealing with.