France – Business – tobacco store manager: apply for a EUR10,000 grant as part of the June/July 2023 unrest support program.
You may get a lump sum payment of EUR10,000 if you’re running a tobacco store and had to close down for at least 3 days in a row because of the damage and looting that occurred between June 27, 2023 and July 5, 2023.
You’ll receive a one-time payment and can apply only once. The team at Aimlon CPA P.C. would like you to be aware of the program: eligibility requirements, application for the subsidy, etc.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You must meet the following requirements to qualify for the tobacco store owner subsidy:
- Running an ordinary tobacco store (year-round or seasonally);
- Being in business;
- Being forced to close your store for at least 3 days in a row because of damage to or the destruction of your store or components of your store between June 27, 2023 and July 5, 2023.
PROCEDURES TO APPLY FOR THE SUBSIDY
The grant application procedures vary depending on whether you are a member of a professional union of tobacconists.
- You’re a member of the tobacconists’ national trade union: you should reach out to them, so they submit one application on behalf of all of their eligible members.
- You’re not a member of a trade union that represents tobacconists nationwide: you should submit your application directly.
Deadline to apply
You or your trade union have until September 15, 2023 to complete an application form and file it with the Direction des douanes et droits indirects. In addition to the application form, you must provide the following:
- A copy of any document to evidence that your tobacco store was closed for 3 days in a row.
- A copy of a voided cheque or printed bank account information (RIB)
Your application processing
The inter-regional Director of customs and indirect taxes will notify you once they process your application. If they deny your request, you will receive a notice by certified mail.
Your customs and indirect tax local branch may perform an unannounced store visit to confirm your eligibility for the program. If you filed a false claim, you’ll have 15 days to reimburse the EUR10,000. If you don’t, the government will take legal action to collect the money. They may for instance seize your professional assets and sell them to satisfy their debt. However, you won’t be fined nor face jail time as you normally would.
The French government unveiled a string of measures to support businesses that have been impacted by the June-July 2023 social unrest throughout continental France. For instance, they set up an emergency fund in certain regions and departments, a special subsidy program for self-employees who had to close down their business, the payroll tax and income tax payment due date extension.