France ‘has strict inheritance tax laws’

Posted 21/02/2012

People considering buying property in France have been reminded that there are strict inheritance tax laws in place in the country.Richard Way, editor at the Overseas Guides Company, told those thinking of making a purchase to take legal advice before coming to a decision.Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, he stated individuals should be careful not to be “fooled” by the low headline rate for the levy.”France has strict inheritance laws, including the clause that says a part of a person’s estate is left to his or her children,” Mr Way told the newspaper.He explained this may lead to complications in cases such as those where there a couple is not married, or where there are children from previous marriages.Justin Postlethwaite, editor of information resource FrenchEntree.com, previously pointed out a change to capital gains tax in France came into effect this month and it could have an impact on those considering buying homes in the European nation.