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The Syndicat des Négociants en Art (SNA) or the French Art Dealers Association has raised the alarm about how the French National Assembly is considering taxing art.
On October 31, French MPs voted to transform the impôt sur la fortune immobilière (IFI) into an impôt sur la fortune improductive - a shift that would expand the scope of the tax from solely real estate to a wider range of luxury and so-called ‘non-productive assets’, including art and photography. The government and its Renaissance allies opposed the measure, calling it uncertain in scope and revenue.
The change is not final: it must still pass scrutiny during the remainder of the parliamentary process for the budget and could also be rejected by the Senate.
The SNA has provided information on this situation, stating, "Making France the only European nation to tax works of art would effectively destroy its market by penalizing collectors. Such a measure would have immediate consequences: a decline in interest in French collections in favor of foreign investors, the withdrawal of international galleries recently established in Paris, a slowdown in patronage, and a weakening of the cultural fabric. This would send a particularly disastrous signal to those who defend our heritage, especially given that France benefits from a once again attractive art ecosystem, accounting for 60% of transactions in Europe."
The group claims, "Throughout the weekend, we engaged directly with the press and institutional players in the art market, who listened attentively to this serious issue affecting France's cultural activity. Initial articles were published last night and this morning, and further publications are expected today in the national and specialized press."
This issue was raised again last Wednesday at the meeting of the Art Market Observatory, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, on which SNA holds permanent seats.
SNA says it "will also contact the Presidents of the parliamentary groups in the National Assembly and the Senate to ensure this matter is heard at the highest level. France must remain aligned with European practice and stay true to its cultural commitment."
The group suggests that people "mobilize to ensure this amendment is rejected by the Senate and the National Assembly. Everyone can take action at their own level: by contacting local and national media, members of parliament, and senators, to collectively defend the place of art and heritage in France."
Opponents of this measure emphasize that the amendment represents more than just a fiscal policy change—it threatens the foundation of France's cultural heritage preservation and its position as a global cultural hub.
The debate will continue as the 2026 budget moves through the legislative process, with the cultural community mobilizing to prevent what they see as a potentially catastrophic policy shift.
The Interview: Changing of the Guard at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The Interview: Stanko Abadzic: An Artist's Love Letter to a Bygone Europe
Contemporary Works/Vintage Works Added Nearly 300 New Photographs This Month; And All Are on Holiday Sale until the End of the Year
Vintage Photo Fairs Europe, a Group of Tabletop Fairs Join Forces
France Set to Tax Art and Photography?
Christine Robinson Joins the Ransom Center as Curator of Photography
Viviane Esders Prize in Photography Awarded to German Photographer Dörte Eißfeldt.
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