PLFSS 2026: Increase in social security contributions... but opportunities remain

On 9 December, the National Assembly adopted the 2026 Social Security Financing Bill (PLFSS) at its second reading, incorporating in particular the much-discussed increase in the CSG on capital income.

This measure could raise social security contributions to 18.6% (from 17.2% currently) and automatically increase the PFU to 31.4%.

But beware: not all income is affected, and there are several ways to optimise your tax situation during this transition period.

✅ What would change

The CSG applicable to income from assets and investments would increase to 10.6% (from 9.2%), in addition to the 0.5% CRDS and 7.5% solidarity levy.

However, the date of entry into force depends on the nature of the income:

Income from assets (e.g. capital gains on securities, BIC LMNP, etc.): increase from 1 January 2025.

Income from investments (e.g. dividends, bonds, etc.): increase from 1 January 2026.

🛡️ Income that would remain exempt from the increase

Good news: certain types of income will remain at the current rate of 17.2%, with no increase.

These include:

property income,

capital gains on property (PVI),

life insurance and capitalisation contract products,

income from PEPs,

specific interest on PEL/CEL accounts opened before the deadlines.

These envelopes therefore constitute major optimisation levers in this context.

⏳ A timeline that opens up opportunities

For taxpayers affected by a potential dividend distribution, it may be advisable to take action before 31 December 2025 to avoid an increase in social security contributions.

It is also essential to check:

the special treatment of income earned before 2018 (PEA, PEE, etc.),

the potential impact on the CEHR and CDHR in the event of a large distribution,

the situation of self-employed workers whose CSG continues to be calculated as income from employment.

⚠️ A measure still under discussion

The text will be reviewed again by the Senate on 12 December and may still change. However, the National Assembly should have the final say in the event of disagreement.

The conditional tense therefore remains essential until final adoption.

🎯 How can you bounce back in this context?

This type of reform may be cause for concern, but it also paves the way for highly effective wealth management strategies, in particular by exploiting:

allowances not affected by the increase,

opportune distributions between investment income and wealth income,

possible arbitrage on dividends, PEA savings plans, life insurance or rental property.

As each situation is unique, the support of an adviser is essential to optimise your choices before the new rules come into force.

👉 Would you like to analyse your situation and identify the best options for reducing the impact of this reform?

Contact us for a personalised assessment and a strategy tailored to your wealth management objectives.