PLF 2026: the first amendments from the Finance Committee decoded for entrepreneurs.
As the year 2026 approaches with signs of fragile economic stabilization, the Finance Bill (PLF) 2026 is at the heart of discussions. With over 120 "adopted" amendments already in the finance committee, the outlines of future tax policy are beginning to take shape—though these proposals are not yet final.
For entrepreneurs, leaders, and start-ups, understanding these potential adjustments is essential to anticipate their fiscal, legal, and asset-related impacts. The firm PRAX Avocats, specializing in legal and tax support for young companies and innovative groups, offers a clear and pragmatic breakdown of the main points to watch.
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A Tense Economic Context That Encourages Caution
Despite a post-crisis recovery underway, budgetary balances remain precarious. The government must balance control of the public deficit with support for economic activity while responding to the need for increased tax justice.
It is in this context that the finance committee (CF) has already adopted a series of amendments, which are non-binding at this stage but indicative of possible directions.
Important: these amendments do not yet modify the text of the PLF. They will need to be re-submitted and debated in public session (scheduled from January 13). Some measures could therefore be adjusted or even discarded.
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The Main Tax Proposals to Follow
1. Income Tax: Towards an Indexation of the Scale
One of the adopted amendments proposes to restore the indexation of the income tax (IR) scale at 1.1%.
A seemingly technical measure, but crucial for households and leaders compensated for their activity. Without this indexation, the mechanical increase in nominal incomes due to inflation would result in increased taxation without a real gain in purchasing power.
At the same time, the Exceptional Contribution on High Incomes (CDHR) would be extended as long as the public deficit remains above 3% of GDP. A logic of solidarity, but which also confirms the executive's desire to preserve a broad tax base on wealthy taxpayers and business leaders.
PRAX Advice: for leaders of start-ups or growing companies, it will be important to anticipate these changes in structuring their compensation between salaries, dividends, and management packages.
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2. Wealth Tax: A Debate on the Expansion of the IFI
An amendment CF455, inspired by the MoDem group, proposes to extend the base of the Real Estate Wealth Tax (IFI) to non-professional financial assets (investments in funds, life insurance contracts, etc.).
At the same time, the allowance applicable to the primary residence would be replaced by a fixed allowance capped at 1 million euros, whether it is a primary or secondary residence.
The stated goal is to avoid cases deemed inequitable, particularly when family properties are no longer occupied as primary residences, for example, among seniors.
What to Remember: if this direction is adopted, it would mark a notable evolution of the IFI's scope, which has so far focused solely on real estate. For entrepreneurs and leaders holding diversified private assets, this could reconfigure wealth taxation on financial investments.
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3. Business Transmission: The Dutreil Regime in Question
The Dutreil regime, a cornerstone of family business transmission, is also under discussion.
Amendment CF2246, proposed by MP P. Juvin, suggests:
- excluding luxury goods not used for the activity (yachts, jewelry, wines, etc.) from the exemption;
- extending the holding period for shares from 4 to 6 years.
Other amendments (CF1004 and CF853) aim to remove recent senatorial restrictions on the mechanisms of "presumed acquired" or "family buy-out (FBO)" to preserve the fluidity of intra-family transmissions.
This debate reveals a dual orientation: strengthening the rigor of the system while preserving its attractiveness in an entrepreneurial context.
Point of Caution: these adjustments could complicate certain Dutreil pact arrangements. A thorough analysis, supported by a business law attorney, remains essential before any transmission operation.
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4. Rental Real Estate: An Attempt to Revive Private Landlords
Amendment CF635 regulates the deductibility of depreciation for individual landlords:
- 4% for new housing;
- 3.5% for old housing under renovation conditions.
A measure aimed at restoring visibility for private investors, particularly in a tight rental market.
For leaders or founders with a diversified asset strategy, this mechanism could reactivate interest in rental investment for asset purposes, provided they manage the associated taxation.
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What to Remember: Between Political Signals and Caution in Interpretation
As it stands, these 120 "adopted" amendments do not yet constitute the final text of the PLF 2026.
Before its examination in public session, or a possible recourse to Article 49.3, their scope could evolve significantly.
However, these orientations show a clear trend:
- a tense income and wealth taxation, with a desire to preserve public revenues;
- revisited wealth mechanisms (Dutreil, IFI) to better adapt to the evolution of modern assets;
- attention to housing and household capital structure, to revive private investment.
For entrepreneurs and start-up leaders, these developments invite a rethink of their financial and legal strategy, particularly regarding:
- capital structuring,
- founder compensation policy,
- wealth planning (transmission, investment, personal holding).
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Legal Support: A Strategic Asset in the Face of Tax Complexity
At PRAX Avocats, we believe that legal security is a performance lever. In a changing tax environment, the ability to quickly adjust structural or compensation choices becomes a true competitive advantage.
Our firm daily supports start-ups, innovative companies, and leaders in implementing tailored strategies:
- legal and tax audits,
- holding structuring,
- management package implementation,
- transmission strategies (Dutreil, donations, shareholder agreements),
- intellectual property protection.
By combining business law expertise, labor law, and strategic advice, we offer a customized support that allows for the combination of development and legal security.
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In Conclusion
Discussions around the PLF 2026 represent a pivotal moment in French tax policy.
Behind the numbers and amendments, it is the entire legal and economic structure of businesses that could be impacted in the short and medium term.
To turn these developments into opportunities rather than constraints, it is essential to rely on a reliable and responsive corporate legal advisor.
Contact PRAX Avocats today to calmly anticipate these changes and adapt your governance, compensation, and wealth strategy securely.
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PRAX Avocats – Expertise, innovation, and tailored legal support for ambitious start-ups and companies.