The French government has introduced a mandatory two-stage authentication process for access to the online tax portal, Impots.gouv, which tax professionals warn is creating chaos for their daily operations.
Since July French tax payers can no longer access their Impots.gouv accounts with just a tax ID and password. Instead, after entering their credentials, Eventsusers must now input a security code sent to their registered email address.
While this extra step is required every six months—or whenever cookies are cleared, or a new device is used, experts say the change is causing significant disruptions, particularly for accountants, wealth managers, and other financial professionals who regularly access client accounts.
Previously, users could log in seamlessly to view tax notices, property records, and past declarations, or to file returns. The tax ID, assigned permanently by the tax authority, and a user-selected password were all that was needed. But the new system is intended to bolster security and prevent unauthorised access.
While the government frames the change as a necessary safeguard against data breaches, critics question its real-world benefits. “Most sensitive actions, like changing bank details or addresses, already require email confirmation,” noted Thibault Diringer, a tax advisor. “Even if someone gained access, they couldn’t do much beyond viewing tax notices or adjusting withholding rates—both of which trigger automatic email alerts. The added code seems redundant.”
The bigger problem, professionals argue, is the logistical burden. Accountants and advisors often need direct access to client accounts to verify declarations, track amendments, or retrieve documents. “Asking clients to send files isn’t reliable—they might send the wrong version, and without logging in yourself, there’s no way to confirm accuracy,” Diringer explained.
Under the new system, professionals must coordinate with clients in real time: requesting their tax ID, password, and the one-time code sent to their email. “Doing this for dozens of clients every day is impractical,” said Marie Laurent, a certified public accountant in Lyon. “If a client isn’t available to provide the code immediately, work grinds to a halt.”
Industry experts propose a straightforward fix: allow taxpayers to authorise their representatives (such as accountants or advisors) to receive the security code directly. “This would maintain security while letting professionals do their jobs without unnecessary delays,” Diringer suggested.
For now, however, the new measures remain in place, leaving tax professionals to navigate the fallout—and hoping for a swift policy adjustment.
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