Inheriting Assets as a French Resident

Becoming a French tax resident can significantly change how inheritances are taxed—especially when assets or family members are located abroad. In this episode, we explain when France taxes inheritances received by residents and how cross-border coordination works.

🇫🇷 1️⃣ The Six-Out-of-Ten-Year Rule

France may impose inheritance tax on a beneficiary if they have been resident in France for at least six of the previous ten years at the time of the inheritance.

Under this rule:

• France may tax the inheritance even if

– the deceased lived abroad, and

– the assets are located outside France.

The rule reflects France’s broad approach to taxing worldwide transfers for long-term residents.

🌍 2️⃣ Worldwide Assets May Be Included

If the six-out-of-ten rule applies, French inheritance tax may cover:

• Foreign real estate

• Overseas bank accounts

• Investment portfolios

• Interests in foreign companies

These rules derive from the Code général des impôts, which governs French inheritance and gift taxation.

🇺🇸 3️⃣ Coordination with U.S. Estate Taxes

Where U.S. assets are involved, the United States–France Estate and Gift Tax Treaty helps coordinate the respective tax systems.

The treaty aims to:

• Prevent double taxation

• Allocate taxing rights between the two countries

• Allow foreign tax credits where appropriate

This is particularly relevant for U.S.-situated assets, such as U.S. real estate or shares of U.S. companies.

👪 4️⃣ Tax Rates Depend on Family Relationship

French inheritance tax rates vary depending on the relationship between the heir and the deceased.

For example:

• Children benefit from significant allowances and progressive rates.

• Spouses are generally exempt.

• More distant relatives or unrelated beneficiaries may face higher tax rates.

Each beneficiary’s tax liability is calculated individually based on their relationship and the value received.

🎯 Key Takeaway

For French residents, inheritance taxation is determined not just by where the assets are located—but also by the beneficiary’s residency status.

Key factors include:

• The six-out-of-ten-year residency rule

• The relationship between the heir and the deceased

• Whether international treaties apply

• The location of the assets involved

Cross-border estates involving France and the United States require careful planning to ensure that treaty relief and foreign tax credits are properly applied.