Furnished Rental Owners: The 100 Million Oversight
Beneath the simplicity of the micro-BIC regime lies a fiscal bombshell. Hundreds of thousands of landlords still fail to register with the INPI to obtain a SIRET number, which is mandatory for any furnished rental activity. This oversight could prove costly as the DGFiP tightens regulations—and it could deprive municipalities of tens of millions of euros in revenue.
A Formality Often Overlooked
Furnished rental properties draw in new investors each year, attracted by their tax benefits and simplified management. However, many are unaware that, legally, it is a commercial activity requiring mandatory registration with the INPI. This process is free, quick, yet still largely overlooked. According to data from DGFiP and the SIRENE directory, only 884,827 furnished rental activities are currently registered, out of nearly 1.2 million landlord declarations. In other words, nearly one in three landlords operate without a SIRET number.
The issue, according to Stefano Demari, president of JD2M (Jedéclaremonmeublé.com), stems from a widespread lack of awareness:
“Under the micro-BIC regime, the declaration system does not block unregistered landlords. As a result, many mistakenly believe that a SIRET number is not necessary.”
The risk increases with the reform of the micro-BIC regime under the Le Meur law, which restricts the tax advantages of short-term rentals. Many landlords will have to switch to the actual regime as of 2025, a transition that makes having a SIRET number essential to file the tax return.
A Costly Oversight
On the surface, the lack of registration does not trigger any immediate penalties. However, the tax consequences can be significant. The SIRET number establishes the start date of activity, which is the starting point for deductible expenses and depreciation. Declaring too late means losing several months of tax deductions—or even depreciation on the property or furniture.
Baptiste Bochart, a legal expert at JD2M, emphasizes, « For an investor, this date could go back to the purchase of the property or the initial renovations made before renting out."
"If this date is not properly declared, expenses incurred before registration cannot be deducted. This results in a potentially significant fiscal shortfall."
The risk is even higher as more landlords are shifting to the actual income regime, either voluntarily or out of necessity. With regulatory changes and increased scrutiny from the DGFiP, the days of administrative approximations are coming to an end.
Towards an Inevitable Regularization
With the growing importance of the actual tax regime, the digitalization of taxation, and the expansion of the furnished rental market, the issue of registration can no longer be sidelined. Landlords will need to comply to avoid complications during their 2025 tax filings. Experts advise taking proactive steps: register as soon as the first expense is incurred, verify activity codes (68.20A or 55.20Z), and regularly update information on the INPI website.
Behind a simple SIRET number lies a crucial administrative acknowledgment essential for securing income and protecting assets. In the realm of furnished rentals, overlooking this is never trivial.
This content has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence. While we strive for accuracy, some nuances may differ from the original French version.
