Filing administrative forms online: now routine for businesses

In January 2011, 92% of French firms with at least ten employees had a landline broadband connection and 60% a mobile broadband connection. France ranks sixth and fourth respectively among the European Union 27 for the two types of Internet access. The use of mobile broadband connections has expanded considerably in two years. In 2009, they concerned only 29% of French firms. In 2010, almost nine out of ten firms filed administrative forms online in France, notably for VAT, social contributions, corporate income tax, and customs duties. Internet use varies significantly from one country to another. The EU average is seven out of ten firms, but the national proportions range from only four out of ten in Italy and Romania to nearly all firms in the Netherlands.