How can I get a tax deduction for the French retirement governmental plan for French expats (CFE) that I paid in 2019 ($8,000 in total for the entire year)?

if you reported the retirement income on your turbo Tax return, you can claim the $8000 paid as foreign tax paid. US has a tax treaty with France to avoid double taxation. Please read this Turbo Tax link, on how to report your foreign income.

1. To report go to federal>wages and income>less common income>Miscellaneous income>start
2. Next screen go to other re portable income at the bottom
3. Next thing, it is going to ask if you have other reportable income, say yes
4. Give it a description as French retirement governmental plan and the amount Now your foreign pension income is reported
5. Now you will need to receive credit for your foreign taxes paid
6. go to federal>deductions and credits>Estimates and Other Taxes Paid>foreign taxes
7. The process for claiming the foreign taxes paid is lengthy in this section but worth it. Just remember you can't claim this credit unless you report your pension income first.