How can I make my French will easier for my UK family to administer? Partner article: We steer you through the tax implications and how to navigate potential language barriers
Eight tips to get retirement in France off to a flying financial start Partner article: Rob Kay from Blevins Franks guides you through the tax, pensions, savings, investment and estate planning issues to tackle early on
Estate planning in France and how to benefit your family Partner article: Answering your frequently asked questions on estate planning for British expatriates in France
practical How is tax applied to gifts and bequests to grandchildren in France? Partner article: How to navigate the relevant inheritance rules in France as gifts from grandparents is a complex area
Brexit planning in France: tax, assets, pensions explained In this month's column: taxation in France, disposing of UK assets, estate planning and much more explained.
Can a French estate be left to an unmarried partner? In our monthly column Legal Notes, reader questions are answered and explained.
The tax efficient way to plan your move to France Do we have readers who are not actually in France but who dream of moving across, especially perhaps after a summer visit?
Inheritance tax bill on property I am 35 and disabled. I live with my parents and my mum is also disabled. Our incomes are intertwined, the three of us supporting the three of us. But I am one of four children and my parents used the EU Regulation, allowing UK law, to make their will. I inherit everything and, depending on circumstance, will pay virtually zero inheritance tax. My will, however, is harder as I have neither husband or children. There is no cash involved, just a property. I will leave it (my parents fully support this) to my niece and nephew. However, inheritance tax is around 55%. Are there ways to cut the bill as they would have to sell a place they love to pay the tax? H.G.
Financial planning for expat retirees in France If you have recently retired, you are entering a new and exciting phase in your life. While some people worry that retirement will be boring, I know plenty who embrace the freedom it gives. And I’m willing to bet that, if you’ve chosen to retire in France, you fall into the latter category.
French law can help you enjoy the fruits of your work Many people have complicated family situations (children from former marriages etc.) and there are many solutions for achieving their inheritance wishes, whether via the EU Succession Regulation or other solutions, but what if we ask: “What do the French do?”
Confusion over notaire fees to settle estate in France My husband died recently and I am confused following a visit to the notaire to find out the costs of settling the estate. We had a typical French marriage contract and he left everything to me in a will. There are no children, brothers or sisters or surviving parents and the only property we owned, in which I live, was purchased in joint names. When I asked the notaire for an estimate of the costs she said it would depend on the value of the property... This implies I will have to pay, what, I have no idea, for the house I already own and have paid for. Can you explain? L.O.
Beware having too many eggs in one basket Recently, I have focused on pension and estate planning, two very important components of financial planning in France, but a third key element is savings and investments.
Double tax treaty is key to inheritance plans Estate planning is a key cause for concern among UK nationals in France. French succession tax and law are complex pieces of legislation, and it becomes more of a minefield when you have to take the UK regime into account as well. Make sure you get it right if you want your assets to be distributed according to your wishes and your heirs to be as protected as possible from inheritance taxes.