British expats living in France claim they have been hit with five-figure tax bills on their public sector pensions despite longstanding laws which should shield them from French taxes. Those who say they are affected are retired public servants in receipt of UK Government pensions, including teachers and police officers.

These pensions should only be taxable in Britain and shouldn’t be subject to French income tax and social charges under the UK-France Double Taxation Convention (DTC), which came into effect in 2010. A tax credit cancels out any liability in France, where they still have to be declared, according to the news outlet, The Connexion.

British retirees who receive a state pension can apply to the NHS for an S1 form. This entitles them to state healthcare in France, which is paid for by the UK Government.

Those who retire early, who have yet to reach the UK state pension age, don’t qualify for an S1. However, under the DTC public sector pensions have historically been exempt from French taxes.

Retired police officer, Andy Pickwick, 60, moved to France with his wife in 2020. He told the same publication that he was told to pay for healthcare because he didn’t have an S1 form.

The couple lost a challenge they brought after receiving a bill for social charges based on their 2023 income. Mr Pickwick is now hoping HMRC will help solve the problem.

Pensions in France are normally subject to prélèvements sociaux, which translates into English as social charges. These help fund the country’s social security system.

Mr Pickwick said: “The tax office said you have to pay because you do not have form S1… I said we don’t need it because they are government pensions, under the DTC’s article 19. They think we’re not paying for health cover anywhere.”

He said members of a Facebook group he set up to bring together those affected have shared similar experiences.

The former police officer, who retired aged 55, added: “My accountant’s only advice was to take out private health cover. I’m seriously considering selling our house and going back.”

French tax officials reportedly told Mr Pickwick his government pension was classed as a pre-retirement benefit, thus putting it beyond the scope of the double taxation rules.

Mark Taylor said he suffered quite a hit when he was billed €3,500 (£3,020) in 2023. The retired police officer’s appeal succeeded, but he said it appeared people in other parts of France haven’t had their appeals upheld.