The U.S. – France Social Security Agreement: Benefits and Eligibility
The United States and France have a social security agreement that allows for certain workers to be exempted from paying social security taxes in one country or the other. This agreement, which was signed in 1987, is designed to help workers who might otherwise be subject to double taxation.
To be eligible for the agreement, a worker must be a citizen or resident of one of the two countries and must be working in the other country. The agreement covers a wide range of workers, including employees, self-employed individuals, and professionals, such as doctors and lawyers.
Under the agreement, workers who qualify are exempted from paying social security taxes in the country where they are working. Instead, they pay social security taxes in their home country. This can be a significant benefit for many workers, especially those who are working in high-tax countries like France.
In addition to the tax benefits, the U.S. – France Social Security Agreement also provides for the coordination of benefits between the two countries. This means that workers who qualify for benefits in both countries will be able to receive those benefits without any reductions or limitations.
To determine eligibility for benefits under the agreement, workers should contact the social security agency in their home country. In the United States, this is the Social Security Administration (SSA), while in France it is the Caisse Nationale d`Assurance Vieillesse (CNAV).
Workers who are eligible for benefits under the agreement will need to complete a special application form, which is available on the SSA website. This form asks for basic information about the worker, including their name, address, and social security number, as well as information about their work history and their eligibility for benefits.
Overall, the U.S. – France Social Security Agreement can be a valuable benefit for workers who are eligible. By helping workers avoid double taxation and coordinating benefits across borders, the agreement makes it easier for workers to move between the two countries and to pursue their careers without unnecessary financial burdens.