Two countries, two sets of rules, one business
A UK company with a French subsidiary or branch has two sets of accounts, two tax systems, two VAT regimes and two filing calendars. When the UK and French advisers never speak, figures are reconciled late, intra-group charges are questioned and deadlines slip on one side or the other.
TaxDigit has built an international network to close that gap. Through our partnership with ComptAgency, an English-speaking accounting firm based near Lyon and registered with the Lyon regional council of the French Order of Chartered Accountants, TaxDigit clients have French accounting, VAT, payroll and tax compliance handled locally, while TaxDigit runs the UK side and keeps the two aligned.
What this network gives TaxDigit clients
Setting up in France
UK companies opening a French subsidiary or branch have the French incorporation and set-up handled locally, while TaxDigit structures and reports the UK side.
French accounts, VAT and payroll
Local bookkeeping, VAT (including international VAT rules) and payroll run in France by our network partner, in English.
UK group reporting
TaxDigit reconciles French figures into UK group accounts and corporation tax returns, so the numbers agree on both sides.
Intra-group transactions
Recharges, management fees and cross-border invoicing reviewed from both sides before they are booked.
French companies coming to the UK
TaxDigit forms and runs UK companies and branches for French groups, with French-side support available through the network.
One point of contact, in English
You stay with TaxDigit. We make the introduction and keep both sides aligned, so you are not managing two firms in two languages.
A new capability for TaxDigit
UK accountants usually stop at the border. With an English-speaking French accounting firm in its international network, TaxDigit can now support a client’s French operations as well as its UK ones, coordinated by the team that already knows the UK business.
It extends TaxDigit’s existing work for French founders and companies in the UK, and for UK companies expanding overseas, into a genuine two-country service.
How it works
1. Tell us about the business
Where the group is based, what already exists in France and the UK, and what is planned.
2. We map both sides
TaxDigit sets out the UK obligations and what will be needed in France.
3. We introduce the French accountants
With your consent, TaxDigit introduces the firm in our international network and shares what they need.
4. Both sides work to one calendar
UK and French filings, VAT and year-ends are planned together.
5. TaxDigit stays your main contact
Questions, reporting and coordination run through the team you already know, in English.
When to talk to TaxDigit
- Before a UK company opens a subsidiary or branch in France.
- When a French subsidiary’s figures do not reconcile with the UK group accounts.
- When a French company is setting up or expanding in the UK.
- When you need French VAT, payroll or accounting support in English.
- When intra-group charges between the UK and France need reviewing.
What TaxDigit is, and what it is not
We are UK chartered certified accountants. TaxDigit is a UK accountancy firm regulated by ACCA, supervised by HMRC for anti-money-laundering purposes (MLR registration XKML00000211873) and registered with Companies House as an ACSP. We do not prepare French statutory accounts or French tax filings ourselves.
French services come from the French firm. French accounting, tax and payroll services are provided by ComptAgency under its own engagement terms and French professional regulation.
We coordinate, with your consent. We share information with our network only when you ask us to, and only what is needed.
Everything in English. You deal with TaxDigit in English, and our network partner works with English-speaking clients.
Frequently asked questions
Can a UK accountant handle a French subsidiary?
A UK accountant handles the UK side: the parent company’s accounts, corporation tax and group reporting. French accounting and tax filings need a French accountant. TaxDigit covers the UK side and works with an English-speaking French accounting firm in our network for the French side.
How does a UK company set up a subsidiary in France?
The French entity is formed and registered in France, and its local accounting and tax obligations are handled by a French accountant. On the UK side, the parent company’s accounts, corporation tax and any intra-group arrangements need to reflect the new subsidiary. TaxDigit handles the UK side and introduces our French network partner for the French side.
Should a UK company open a branch or a subsidiary in France?
It depends on liability, tax and reporting considerations in both countries. TaxDigit reviews the UK tax effect and our French network partner the French position, so the decision is made with both sides in view.
Can TaxDigit help a French company expanding into the UK?
Yes. TaxDigit sets up and runs UK companies and branches for overseas groups, including company formation, corporation tax, VAT and payroll, and works with our French network partner where the French parent needs local support.
Will I have to deal with two firms in two languages?
No. TaxDigit stays your main point of contact in English and coordinates with the French firm, which also works in English.
How much does it cost?
TaxDigit quotes its own fees for the UK work before you commit. The French firm agrees its fees with you directly.
How do I get started?
Call TaxDigit on 01483 230 777 or email info@taxdigit.co.uk. Tell us about the business and we will map both sides and arrange the introduction.
Related TaxDigit services: French accountants in the UK, UK accountant for French businesses, UK business expansion, Set up a UK company from abroad, Corporation tax, International advisory. Still deciding? Talk to a chartered certified accountant.
Two countries. One team.
UK and French accounts, tax and reporting, coordinated by a chartered certified team in English.
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