Requesting a Tax Payment Deadline

If you're having difficulty paying an owed tax all at once, you can request to spread this payment over several months. The tax office usually accepts this type of request if justified by your financial situation.

This page explains how to draft this request, what information to provide, and offers a ready-to-use letter template, plus a tool to automatically generate your personalized letter.

When should you write this letter?

• You received a tax notice you can't pay all at once;
• Your current financial situation is difficult;
• You want to propose a monthly amount that suits your means;
• You need to explain your specific circumstances.

In all these cases, a written deadline request remains an effective way to avoid any forced action.

Required information to include

• Your first and last name and tax number;
• The amount owed and notice reference;
• The proposed monthly repayment amount;
• A brief explanation of your financial situation.

The more realistic and justified your request, the greater the chance of it being accepted.

Official letter template

Important note: the letter sent to the tax office must be written in French, as it is a French administration. Below is a template you can use as a basis.

[First name LAST NAME]
[Full address]
[Tax number]

Tax Office for Individuals of [City]
[Office address]

Written in [City], on [Date]

Subject: Request for payment deadline

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am requesting a payment plan of [amount] euros over [number] monthly installments.

[...]

→ The complete letter, tailored precisely to your situation and ready to send, is generated automatically in 3 minutes using the tool above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a deadline online?

Yes, often through your personal space on the impots.gouv.fr website.

What's the maximum period for installments?

It varies depending on the amount and your situation, and can extend to several months.

What happens if I don't respect the schedule?

Full collection proceedings may resume, with possible additional penalties.

Can I request a full exemption instead of a deadline?

Yes, you can request a remise gracieuse in cases of severe financial hardship.

Is the request free?

Yes, submitting a deadline request is completely free.