When applying for VAT registration in France, the French tax authorities may request additional information before approving your application.

This is a normal part of the verification process carried out by the Service des Impôts des Entreprises (SIE) and does not mean there is an issue with your business.

This article explains why these requests occur, how you should respond, and the types of documents that may be required.

Why the French Tax Office May Request Extra Information

The French tax authorities must ensure that your company is legitimate, economically active, and eligible for VAT registration in France.

Additional questions are commonly triggered in situations such as:

• Newly incorporated companies with limited trading history

• Non-EU companies registering in France

• Applications with incomplete or minimal documentation

• Business models that require clarification

• Inconsistencies in the registration form

• Storage of goods in France (e.g., Amazon FBA or 3PL warehouses)

• E-commerce or marketplace sellers operating cross-border

These checks help prevent fraud and ensure accurate identification of taxpayers.

How You Should Respond

1️⃣ Review the request immediately

Delays in responding may pause or significantly slow down your VAT registration process.

2️⃣ Forward the request to hellotax

Send the letter or email from the French tax office to your hellotax Account Manager or Registration Assistant.

We will review the request and explain what information is required.

3️⃣ Provide complete and accurate information

The French tax office expects clear, precise, and fully documented responses.
Incomplete or vague answers may result in further delays or rejection.

4️⃣ Keep communication organised

Always reply within the existing email thread to ensure efficient tracking of correspondence.

Examples of Information the French Tax Authorities May Request

🏢 Business Information

• Description of products or services

• Explanation of your supply chain

• Details of storage locations in France or other EU countries

• Marketplace activity (e.g., Amazon, eBay, Shopify)

• Clarification of cross-border sales flows

📄 Company Verification Documents

• Certificate of Incorporation (KBIS extract for French entities, if applicable)

• Articles of Association

• Proof of active business (website, invoices, contracts, product listings)

• Bank account confirmation (RIB/IBAN)

• Proof of address for the company

👤 Director / Legal Representative Information

• Passport or national ID copies

• Proof of residential address

• Contact details

📦 Trading & Logistics Details

• Estimated annual turnover

• Supplier or manufacturer contracts

• Warehouse or fulfilment agreements

• Amazon FBA or 3PL storage contracts

🛒 For Marketplace Sellers

• Seller account ID

• Store URL

• Screenshots confirming active listings

• Confirmation of inventory storage in France

In some cases, the French tax office may request notarised or officially translated documents.

What hellotax Will Do

hellotax will:

• Review and explain the tax office request

• Clarify what the authorities are seeking

• Assist you in preparing the necessary documentation

• Submit information to the SIE where permitted

Please note:
If the request requires extensive clarification or document preparation, additional service fees may apply depending on complexity.

Your Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

• Providing all requested documents

• Ensuring information is accurate and up to date

• Responding promptly

• Supplying any further clarifications requested by the tax office

While hellotax supports you throughout the process, the French tax authority must receive complete and satisfactory information before approving your VAT registration.

Key Takeaways

• Additional information requests during French VAT registration are normal.

• Respond quickly to avoid registration delays.

• Provide complete, accurate, and well-documented information.

• hellotax will guide and support you throughout the process.

• Typical requests relate to business activity, director verification, storage locations, and proof of trading.