Filing French VAT without mistakes
The collected-vs-deductible mechanism, the CA3 return box by box, and VAT credit through to refund: three numbers-first modules with the Méline example followed throughout. All the prose is free to read; only the quizzes are sold.
Foundational3 modules25 minModule 1 free to read
2026 rules — verified on August 27, 2026
Figures are tied to dated, sourced tax constants. A module whose rules have changed is flagged for review, and is unpublished automatically beyond 90 days.
This content is part of the path: Managing my company's VAT· Step 2 of 11· Next step: Deducting VAT on your purchases
By the end of this course, you can…
These outcomes are the modules' own: the promise cannot say anything the course does not teach.
- Understand the collected-minus-deductible mechanism, and why VAT is neutral for the business.
- Use the right rates (20%, 10%, 5.5%, 2.1%) and convert net and gross amounts without mistakes.
- Locate your regime: standard real, simplified, or franchise — and what each implies.
- Fill in the CA3 sections: taxable operations, VAT collected by rate, deductible VAT.
- Set your rhythm (monthly or quarterly) and never miss a deadline.
- Lock the consistency between your CA3 returns and your accounts — the first thing the administration cross-checks.
- Recognise a VAT credit and choose between carry-over and refund.
- File a 3519 claim that clears on the first pass: thresholds, exact amount, bank details, evidence.
- Spot structural-credit profiles — exporters, heavy investors, reduced-rate sellers.
The programme, module by module
Each module has its own page. Durations are derived from the actual text, never announced by hand.
- Module 18 minFree — no accountUnderstanding VAT: collected, deductible, and what you actually oweWhat you will be able to do
- Understand the collected-minus-deductible mechanism, and why VAT is neutral for the business.
- Use the right rates (20%, 10%, 5.5%, 2.1%) and convert net and gross amounts without mistakes.
- Locate your regime: standard real, simplified, or franchise — and what each implies.
- Module 29 minIncluded in the full courseFiling: the CA3 return, box by boxWhat you will be able to do
- Fill in the CA3 sections: taxable operations, VAT collected by rate, deductible VAT.
- Set your rhythm (monthly or quarterly) and never miss a deadline.
- Lock the consistency between your CA3 returns and your accounts — the first thing the administration cross-checks.
- Module 39 minIncluded in the full courseVAT credit: carry it over or get it refunded (form 3519)What you will be able to do
- Recognise a VAT credit and choose between carry-over and refund.
- File a 3519 claim that clears on the first pass: thresholds, exact amount, bank details, evidence.
- Spot structural-credit profiles — exporters, heavy investors, reduced-rate sellers.
What you take away
A handout you keep, not just a page you read. The sections are derived from the course itself: what is announced here is exactly what gets generated.
Participant handout (PDF)
PDF
- Learning objectives (3)
- Key figures (2)
- Mistakes to avoid (3)
- Blank exercises (2)
- Official sources (3)
Exercise workbook (Word)
Word
- Learning objectives (3)
- Key figures (2)
- Mistakes to avoid (3)
- Blank exercises (2)
- Official sources (3)
Answer appendix (PDF)
PDF
- Answers (2)
Answers live in a separate appendix: the participant handout and the workbook stay distributable before the exercise.
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Where this course leads
A course that leads neither to a calculator nor to a form cannot be published: this block is the visible counterpart of that rule.
Run the numbers
The linked calculators apply this course's rules to your own figures — for free.
File it
Step-by-step guides to the official forms cited in this course.
- French VAT return CA3 (form 3310)
- French form 3519 — VAT credit refund
- Form 3516 — paying a tax deadline with a tax receivable
- European services declaration (DES) — services sold within the EU
- VAT recapitulative statement and EMEBI survey — trade in goods within the EU
- French credit note (avoir) and corrective invoice
Go further
The courses that follow on from this one.
Educational content, current with the sources cited. It does not replace advice tailored to your situation. These courses are neither certifying nor CPF-eligible: they prepare for no certification registered with the French RNCP or specific register.