The rental of motorhomes is increasingly appealing to adventurers in search of freedom… and profitability! But when it comes to rental income, there are also administrative steps to consider. Between the obligations to declare and the tax nuances, it’s not always straightforward. Discover how to best declare the income from renting your motorhome to stay perfectly compliant without getting lost in the details!
The motorhome rental market is experiencing significant growth thanks to peer-to-peer sharing platforms. However, beyond the joy of traveling and showcasing your vehicle, one essential step should not be overlooked: declaring your income. Declaring the earnings from motorhome rentals comes with strict tax obligations. This article explains in detail how to declare your income, which tax regimes to choose based on your earnings, which boxes to fill out with your amounts, and how Wikicampers simplifies your procedures. As a little bonus: discover links to boost your adventure aspirations or better anticipate the upcoming tourist season!
The Rise of Peer-to-Peer Motorhome Rentals
In France, the market for motorhome and converted van rentals among individuals is booming, fueled by innovative platforms like Wikicampers. Renting out your vehicle has become a true source of supplementary income, but this popularity also brings new legal obligations. Since 2019, platforms must declare the amounts paid to owners to the tax authorities once these exceed certain thresholds. But beware, even below €2,000, it is your responsibility to declare these earnings on your annual income tax return!
What Income to Declare and When?
The income generated from the rental of your motorhome must be fully declared to the tax authorities. The declaration period traditionally takes place in the spring following the year when the income was received; thus, for earnings received in 2024, the declaration must be made in April 2025. To track your earnings, Wikicampers provides an annual summary in your member area, available for download in the “My Rentals” section. Handy to ensure nothing is forgotten!
Where to Declare the Rental Income?
When filing your income tax return, the earnings from motorhome or van rentals must be reported on the supplementary declaration form n° 2042 C pro. Depending on your situation, you will need to indicate the amounts:
- On line 5NP for the micro-BIC regime (which applies to service provisions, including recreational vehicle rentals)
- On line 5TB if you are a self-employed individual and choose the flat-rate withholding tax
Still unsure about which box to fill in? Rest assured, mentioning your status on form 2042 C pro precisely guides the processing of your tax file.
Choosing the Right Tax Regime
The choice of tax regime mainly depends on the amount of annual income generated:
- For less than €77,700, you qualify for the micro-BIC regime – a simplified regime with a 50% deduction on income (minimum €305), ideal for small occasional renters.
- Above €77,700 or by choice, the actual regime applies; more complex, it allows for the deduction of certain expenses and the option to declare and pay VAT.
An interesting aspect to explore: keeping an eye on trends in van life can attract more renters… and increase your earnings to declare in the future!
Obligations of Rental Platforms
For greater tax transparency, platforms like Wikicampers must inform the authorities of the amount of income received by each owner, as soon as it exceeds €2,000 per year. To comply, they transmit your tax reference number to meet the requirements of the European DPI-DA7 framework. However, below this threshold, the task of manual declaration falls to you.
Social Contributions and Affiliation
Earning income from motorhome rentals generally does not imply a change in social affiliation regime, unless this income becomes your primary source of earnings. As long as your income remains below the threshold of €8,798 per year (for 2023), and if you are also employed, you remain affiliated with the general regime. It’s best to check all the details on the Ministry of Economy website or through the tax portal for a personalized simulation.
Some Good Tips to Embrace Rental Fully
Are you tempted to optimize the profitability of your motorhome? For instance, discover how Christmas can be celebrated in a converted van, or explore the gems of the Béziers tourist season to find must-see spots to offer to your tenants. Adventure enthusiasts should not miss the Florida swimming hole with its well-kept secret vibe! Even innovations in urban mobility, such as Nantes’ ecological shuttle, will pique the curiosity of wandering spirits.
