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What is the legal limit?
The good news: There’s no legal limit on the amount of cash you’re allowed to keep at home. Theoretically, you can keep 500 euros… or 50,000. In practice, however, beyond a certain amount, the question of justification arises.
In the event of a tax audit or dispute (e.g., involving a large bank deposit), you must be able to prove the origin of the funds . Sales, gifts, inheritances, bank withdrawals… everything must be traceable. The tax authorities may consider undeclared amounts suspicious or even the result of undeclared work or fraud if you cannot explain their origin.
The legislation regarding cash transport is very clear: you must declare the amount of cash transported above €10,000 , whether in France or abroad. This obligation also applies if you are traveling with several people, each carrying an amount below the threshold, but whose total exceeds €10,000.
What precautions should be taken?
If you plan to keep a large amount of money at home, caution is advised. Here are some simple but important tips:
- Keep receipts (withdrawals, transfers, notarized documents, etc.) to prove the origin of the funds.
- Keep your money safe , preferably in a discreet, well-hidden safe.
- Inform as few people as possible : A burglary never comes with warning.
- Check your home insurance : Most insurance policies offer very little (if any) coverage for cash kept at home in the event of theft or fire.
In summary: freedom, but vigilance
Having a small cash cushion on hand can be practical, reassuring, and completely legal. But beyond €10,000, caution and good information are advised. While the government doesn’t prohibit you from keeping cash at home, it does expect you to be able to prove its origin . And in the event of a check or a dispute, evidence counts.
So keep cash if it makes you feel better… but do it with common sense and caution.
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